Bauchi records 13 human rabies infections in one year

The Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) has said that no fewer than 13 human rabies infections have been recorded in Bauchi State in the past year.

The Chairman of the Association in the state, Dr Abubakar Tilde disclosed this during a sensitisation exercise as part of activities to mark the 2022 World Rabies Day (WRD) on Wednesday in Bauchi.

The Day with the theme “Rabies: One Health, Zero Deaths” was designed to celebrate contributions and successes by veterinarians towards improving animal and human health as well as the protection of the environment.

“Protecting animals against diseases means safeguarding those who can potentially experience pain, yet cannot speak.

“The Day shows commitment by veterinarians and medics to strengthen the reigning one health concept.

“It is also important in prevention and control of emerging and re-emerging infectious zoonotic diseases causing havoc on animals, humans, environment and the economy,” he said.

According to him, the association is collaborating with Bauchi State Government, Directorate of Veterinary Services, African Union, Global Alliance for the Control of Rabies (GARC) and development partners to facilitate the successful implementation of the National Strategic Plan for the Eradication of Rabies in the country.

“Rabies is highly fatal, yet vaccine-preventable zoonotic disease that is endemic in Nigeria and largely most African countries,” he said.

The Veterinarian said that dog bites account for 99 per cent of rabies infections in humans, hence the need for awareness creation to control the disease.

He disclosed that about 10,000 pets had been inoculated against rabies in 2021 across the 20 local government areas of the state.

While reiterating the readiness of the association to support the campaign against the disease, Tilde urges the state government to upgrade veterinary facilities to enhance animal health service delivery.