The Lagos State Government says it will vaccinate no fewer than 1.5 million dogs within the next two weeks. The government said the exercise will take place during the free anti-rabies vaccination campaign embarked upon to prevent deaths of animals in the state.
The vaccination will prevent the dogs from acquiring rabies disease from wildlife or infected animals/dogs, and thereby avert possible transmission to humans or other animals.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms Abisola Olusanya, disclosed this during the flag-off of the vaccination campaign held at the Palace of Oba Ayangburen, in the Ikorodu, Lagos State.
“I am highly delighted to be here today to declare open our anti-rabies campaign with the theme: “Say No to Rabies in the 21st Century in Lagos State”.
“A lot of dogs in the state are not registered or licensed hence a lot of rabid dogs could be on the prowl. They are also the major source of transmitting the dreaded rabies disease when unvaccinated. Dogs that are properly owned and kept provide great benefits of companionship, security, health and research, amongst others.’’
The commissioner urged pet owners to bring their dogs for the exercise, noting that the government has made the exercise free of charge for the citizenry.
She also urged all corporate organisations and communities to collaborate with the government toward responsible dog ownership to curb the strain of animals with rabies in the environment. According to the commissioner, the exercise is important since rabies can easily be prevented through vaccination.
‘With an estimated 1.5 million dogs in the state, I hereby enjoin all individuals, corporate organisations and communities to collaborate to a more responsible dog ownership to curb the strain of rabid animals in the environment” the commissioner said.
Olusanya said that for the vaccination campaign to be effective, it would be held year-in-year-out for the next three years.
Olusanya informed that the exercise would take place in the five divisions of the state including Veterinary Clinic, beside LASPOTECH Second Gate, opposite Access Bank, Odogunyan, Ikorodu; Veterinary Centre, Epe Local Government Compound, Orita Marun Epe; Veterinary Clinic, opposite Bethel Church, Beside Alesh Hotel Ajah; and the Veterinary Clinic by Randle General Hospital, Benson Street, Surulere.
Other locations are the Veterinary Clinic at Aiyedoto Farms Settlement, Agric Road, Ojo; Veterinary Clinic on Beach Road, Opposite General Hospital, Badagry; and the Animal Hospital on Old Abeokuta Motor Road, beside LSADA’s Office, Opposite DSTV Office, Oko-Oba Agege.
“I urge you to ensure the registration and yearly vaccination of pets and other animals at the nearest government veterinary hospitals, clinics as well as government’s registered private animal health care centres at the clinic of their choice.”