Dr Samuel Abiodun is the Chief Medical Director, Ibadan Vet. A veterinary surgeon, public health advocate, Abiodun was an ambassador to the World Organisation for Animal Health in 2019. In this interview with MOYOSORE SALAMI, he speaks about the growing threat of zoonotic diseases, the role of pets in transmission, and how both government and pet owners can mitigate the risks.

There’s growing concern about the rise of zoonotic diseases in Nigeria and across Africa. How real is this threat to public health?

THE threat is not only real, it is urgent. Zoonotic diseases, those transmissible between animals and humans, account for more than 60 per cent of all infectious diseases in humans and over 75 per cent of emerging diseases globally. In Nigeria and across Africa, factors such as rapid urbanisation, encroachment into animal habitats, poor veterinary infrastructure, and low public awareness are increasing the risk.
Diseases such as rabies, leptospirosis, Lassa fever, toxoplasmosis, and brucellosis are still very active in our environment. Outbreaks are becoming more frequent and complex. As human-animal interactions increase through pet ownership, farming or wildlife trade, our systems of monitoring, prevention and response haven’t fully caught up.

What specific role do pets, particularly dogs and cats, play in the spread of these zoonotic diseases in Nigeria?

Dogs are central to the spread of rabies transmission to humans, and that is not debatable in Nigeria; this is a fact we can’t ignore. The virus, present in the saliva of infected dogs, is nearly 100 per cent fatal in humans once symptoms appear. Most tragic rabies deaths we see are due to dog bites, especially from unvaccinated local or stray dogs. Cats, though often overlooked, also carry risks. They can transmit toxoplasmosis, which is a disease dangerous for pregnant women, as well as cat scratch disease, ringworm, and certain parasitic infections. What makes it worse is that many of these pets may look healthy, but are silently shedding infectious agents. Pet ownership should be a blessing, not a silent health threat. But that requires regular veterinary checkups, vaccination, deworming, and good hygiene practices.

From your experience at IbadanVet, what pet-related health problems do you see that may endanger humans?

At Ibadan Vet, we see a wide range of cases every day, from minor illnesses to critical conditions. But the most common pet health problems that raise concern in the context of zoonotic risks include Parasitic infestations, such as roundworms, hookworms and fleas. These can be passed to humans, especially children.
We also see skin infections like fungal infections, ringworm, which is highly contagious and spreads easily through pet fur and household surfaces.
Another common challenge is vaccination gaps. Many pet owners are unaware that core vaccinations, especially anti-rabies, must be maintained yearly.
Lastly, poor grooming habits and improper pet hygiene can lead to bacterial buildup on a pet’s skin and fur. These issues are manageable and preventable if pet owners partner actively with their veterinarians.

With more Nigerians now keeping pets indoors and treating them as close companions, does this increase or reduce zoonotic disease risks?

That’s a very important question. The shift toward indoor pets and closer companionship can reduce risks if it is paired with proper care. Keeping pets indoors limits their exposure to other animals and environmental pathogens and allows owners to monitor health changes early and seek prompt care.
However, it can increase risk if basic hygiene and veterinary care are neglected. When pets sleep in beds, lick faces, or share living spaces closely with humans, without being vaccinated or dewormed, the chance of transmitting bacteria, fungi, or parasites grows significantly.
So it really comes down to balance. Responsible, informed pet ownership reduces the risk. Ignorance or negligence increases it.

Are there specific communities or groups, such as children, the elderly or rural populations, who are more vulnerable to pet-related disease transmission?

Absolutely, certain groups are more vulnerable. Children, for instance, often play closely with pets without understanding hygiene. They may allow dogs to lick their hands or faces, or touch pet faeces unknowingly. The elderly individuals and immunocompromised people are also at higher risk because their immune systems may not respond well to infections.
In many rural parts of Nigeria, the risks are even greater. Dogs and cats roam freely, are rarely vaccinated or dewormed, and have no regular veterinary care. Stray animals are common, and awareness of zoonotic risks is low. These communities experience higher rates of dog bites and subsequent rabies cases.

How can the average Nigerian household enjoy the benefits of pet ownership while also protecting themselves and their families from health risks?

Safe pet ownership starts with consistent and responsible veterinary care. Pets should be routinely vaccinated, particularly against rabies and other core diseases such as DHLPP for dogs, and feline core vaccines for cats. Regular deworming should be done ideally every three months to prevent internal parasites.
Grooming is essential; pets should be bathed at least twice a month, and their bedding and living spaces must be kept clean and free of ticks and fleas. Veterinary checkups at least once or twice a year for a comprehensive health exam, even seemingly healthy pets can be carriers of disease.
Pet training also plays an important role. A well-trained dog is less likely to bite or display aggressive behaviour, and would reduce scratching tendencies.
Family hygiene education, especially teaching kids how to handle pets and wash their hands after contact, reduces unnecessary exposure to risk.
Pet ownership should be a joyful and safe experience. With the right education and commitment, families can enjoy the companionship of pets without compromising health.

Is Nigeria making progress toward meeting the global 2030 goal of eliminating human deaths from dog-mediated rabies? What challenges still exist?

While there has been some progress, such as increased awareness campaigns around World Rabies Day and a few state-led vaccination efforts, we are still far from where we need to be. The pace of change is too slow and uneven across the country. We still face a lot of challenges. Some include Low public awareness about rabies prevention and treatment.
Several barriers remain: public awareness is still low, especially in rural areas; dog vaccination rates are poor; access to post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is limited and unaffordable for many; and stray dog populations are left unchecked. We have too many unowned dogs roaming freely. Moreover, there is weak collaboration between the human and animal health sectors.
To meet the 2030 target, Nigeria must fully embrace the One Health approach. This means uniting the ministries of health, agriculture, and environment to work in synergy. We must view rabies prevention not just as a veterinary issue but as a national public health priority.

Do exotic or imported pets pose a growing zoonotic threat in Nigeria, and what should be done to regulate their ownership or trade?

Absolutely, and this is an emerging challenge. We are seeing more Nigerians owning exotic pets such as snakes, parrots, monkeys, and turtles, often without any prior veterinary checks or quarantine measures.
These animals can carry diseases that are unfamiliar and sometimes more dangerous in our local context. For instance, reptiles often harbour salmonella, birds can spread avian influenza, and monkeys pose a risk for diseases like monkeypox. Without proper regulation and screening, the importation and ownership of exotic pets can become a serious public health threat.
We need stricter import controls, mandatory quarantine procedures, regular veterinary screening, and public education for exotic pet owners. A licensing system for exotic animal ownership would also help in monitoring and accountability.
If we don’t act now, the consequences could mirror the global COVID-19 experience, which started from an animal-human interface.

What more can local and Federal Government agencies do to strengthen pet health systems and reduce zoonotic risks to the public?

Government agencies must take a more proactive and holistic approach. First, there should be a fully funded national dog vaccination programme, particularly in rabies-endemic regions, that reaches both urban and rural areas. Second, the government should invest in a pet registration and identification system to help monitor vaccination status and control stray populations.
Additionally, we need more veterinary personnel trained and deployed, particularly in underserved regions. Public health campaigns should be launched nationwide to raise awareness about zoonotic diseases and responsible pet ownership. Mobile vet clinics can be an effective way to reach remote communities that currently lack access to basic animal care.
Perhaps, most importantly, there needs to be strengthened coordination across ministries. A true One Health model, where the ministries of health, environment, and agriculture collaborate, is essential. Animal health is public health, and our policies must stop treating veterinary health as an afterthought.

Finally, if you could leave just one message with the Nigerian public about pets and public health, what would it be?

Your pet’s health is your family’s health. When you take care of your animal through vaccination, deworming, grooming, and regular vet visits, you are not just protecting your pet, but everyone in your home. Pets are wonderful companions, but their health must never be taken for granted. Love them responsibly.