By Aminu Dalhatu
The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, NVMA, Zamfara State Chapter, has called for concerted efforts among stakeholders to prevent and eventually eliminate rabies in the state.
Chairman of the Association, Dr. Mukhtar Salihu Anka, made the call during the 2026 World Rabies Day celebration in Gusau, which featured a carnival procession and the launching of a free anti-rabies vaccination campaign at the Emir of Gusau’s Palace.
Dr. Anka said World Rabies Day was being observed annually on September 28 to raise awareness about the prevention and control of rabies.
Dr Mukhtar Anka explained that, vaccination remains one of the most effective ways of preventing the spread of the disease, particularly through the immunisation of animals.
The NVMA Chairman urged residents of Zamfara State to take the vaccination of their animals seriously, stressing that rabies is a preventable disease.
Dr. Anka also encouraged members of the public to seek immediate medical attention whenever they are bitten or exposed to potentially rabid animals.
In a remark, the Executive Director of the Zamfara State Livestock Development Agency, Dr Ismaila Usman Gusau also called for stronger collaboration with traditional rulers and other stakeholders to combat rabies and prevent deaths associated with the disease.
Dr Gusau explained that, traditional rulers had an important role to play in creating awareness among communities 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,” highlighted the need for collaboration among the veterinary, human health and environmental health sectors to achieve the global goal of ending rabies by 2030.
The Executive Secretary therefore 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 of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project, L-PRESS, Nasiru Mohammed, pledged the project’s continued support for livestock development and animal health programmes in the state.
Nasiru Mohammed said animal health was an important component of L-PRESS, 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.
The Project Coordinator said L-PRESS was collaborating with the Zamfara State Livestock Development Agency and veterinary authorities to strengthen efforts aimed at controlling and eventually eliminating rabies.
Nasiru Mohammed assured livestock farmers and other stakeholders that, L-PRESS would sustain its interventions in Zamfara throughout the duration of the project, including support for animal health, husbandry and extension services.
On his part, the Zamfara State Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Aminu Abdulrazak, described rabies as a serious zoonotic disease capable of affecting both animals and humans, stressing that, prevention through vaccination remained critical.
Dr Abdulrazak explained that, dogs infected with rabies could exhibit behavioural changes such as restlessness, aggression, excessive salivation, abnormal biting and fear of water.
The Director 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 to a suspected rabid animal.
He stressed that, responsible pet ownership, regular vaccination and public awareness were essential to reducing rabies infections and deaths in Zamfara State.
Earlier, the Emir of Gusau, Dr Abdulkadir Ibrahim Bello assured that he would engage other traditional rulers and relevant stakeholders on the need to join concerted efforts to educate and sensitise citizens about the 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 the disease.
He also urged members of the public to avoid buying meat from unapproved sources, stressing the need to purchase meat only from certified abattoirs to prevent the consumption of meat from unhealthy animals.
He further advised the public to stop buying animals slaughtered in the open or along the roadside, as such animals may be unhealthy and could pose serious risks to human health.
The procession commenced at the Zamfara State Livestock Development Agency and terminated at the palace of the Emir of Gusau, Dr Abdulkadir Ibrahim Bello, where the vaccination campaign was formally flagged off.
Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
