World Rabies Day: NVMA Seeks Concerted Effort To Eliminate Rabies In Zamfara

The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Zamfara State chapter, has called for concerted efforts among stakeholders to prevent and eliminate rabies in the state.

The chairman of the association, Dr. Mukhtar Salihu Anka, made the call on Tuesday in Gusau during activities to mark the 2026 World Rabies Day, which featured a carnival procession and the launch of free anti-rabies vaccination campaign at the Emir of Gusau’s palace.

Dr. Anka said World Rabies Day is observed annually on September 28 to raise awareness on the prevention and control of rabies.

He said vaccination remains one of the most effective ways of preventing spread of the disease, particularly through immunisation of animals.

The NVMA chairman urged residents to take vaccination of their animals seriously, stressing that rabies is a preventable disease.

He also encouraged members of the public to seek immediate medical attention whenever they are bitten or exposed to potentially rabid animals.

In his remarks, the executive director, Zamfara State Livestock Development Agency, Dr. Ismaila Usman Gusau, called for stronger collaboration with traditional rulers and other stakeholders to combat rabies and prevent deaths associated with the disease.

Dr. Gusau said traditional rulers have an important role to play in creating awareness and encouraging responsible ownership and regular vaccination of dogs and other pets.

According to him, the theme of this year’s World Rabies Day, “Stronger Together,” highlights the need for collaboration among veterinary, human health and environmental health sectors to achieve the global goal of ending rabies by 2030.

He appealed to members of the public to vaccinate their dogs and other susceptible animals annually and to seek immediate medical attention following exposure to suspected rabid animals.

Also speaking, the Zamfara State project coordinator, Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), Nasiru Mohammed, pledged the project’s continued support for livestock development and animal health programmes in the state.

Mohammed said animal health is an important component of L-PRES, particularly under Component One, Sub-component 1.3, which focuses on strengthening animal health services.

He explained that the project supports veterinary services through vaccination, technical assistance and capacity-building for relevant stakeholders.

He said L-PRES is collaborating with the Zamfara State Livestock Development Agency and veterinary authorities to strengthen efforts aimed at controlling and eventually eliminating rabies.

On his part, the director, Veterinary Services in the state, Dr. Aminu Abdulrazak, described rabies as a serious zoonotic disease capable of affecting both animals and humans, stressing that prevention through vaccination remains critical.

Dr. Abdulrazak said dogs infected with rabies could exhibit behavioural changes such as restlessness, aggression, excessive salivation, abnormal biting and fear of water.

He advised members of the public to avoid contact with animals suspected of being infected and to seek immediate medical attention after being bitten or exposed.

Earlier, the Emir of Gusau, Dr. Abdulkadir Ibrahim Bello, assured that he would engage other traditional rulers and relevant stakeholders on the need to educate and sensitise citizens on dangers of rabies.

Dr. Bello said since rabies is a deadly disease capable of causing loss of life, traditional rulers must work closely with relevant authorities to help prevent and ultimately eradicate it.

He also urged members of the public to avoid buying meat from unapproved sources, stressing the need to purchase meat only from certified abattoirs.

The procession commenced at the Zamfara State Livestock Development Agency and terminated at the palace of the Emir of Gusau where the vaccination campaign was flagged off.