FG, Osun Govt Urges Pet Owners to Vaccinate Dogs, Cats Against Rabies

The Federal Government of Nigeria through the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, in collaboration with the Osun State Government, has urged pet owners, particularly those with dogs and cats to take advantage of the ongoing free anti-rabies vaccination exercise across the state. The initiative aims to protect both humans and animals from the deadly viral disease.

Speaking at the official flag-off of the 2025 Free Mass Anti-Rabies Vaccination Campaign, held at the Veterinary Clinic, Awosuru, Osogbo, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Otunba Tola Faseru, described the campaign as timely in view of recent dog bite incidents reported in the state. He emphasized that rabies remains one of the most dangerous zoonotic diseases affecting both humans and animals, with Nigeria recording about 10,000 cases annually.

Otunba Faseru commended the Federal Government for its consistent efforts in safeguarding public health, noting that the provision of free vaccination services across all local government areas demonstrates the government’s commitment to preventing rabies outbreaks.

He assured pet owners that qualified veterinary professionals are deployed at all designated centres across the state to administer the vaccines free of charge. He further encouraged residents to fully participate in the exercise to ensure the safety of their pets and communities.

Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Taiwo Olasoju explained that rabies still claims thousands of lives globally each year, with Africa and Asia accounting for the highest numbers. He said the Federal Government is adopting a “One Health” approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health sectors to combat the disease, adding that Osun is among eight states selected for the national vaccination programme.

Dr. Olasoju emphasized that government alone cannot eradicate rabies, urging stronger collaboration among citizens, veterinarians, policymakers, and pet owners. He advised that dogs and cats should be vaccinated regularly to ensure community-wide immunity.

In their goodwill messages, the Chairman of the Veterinary Association of Nigeria, Osun Chapter, Dr. Seyi Kolawole; a representative of the Association of Animal Health and Husbandry Technologists, Mr. Abraham Olatunde; and a pet owner, Mr. Kayode Oke, all commended the initiative. They also appealed for legislation to make pet vaccination mandatory.

Earlier, in his address of welcome, the Permanent Secretary of the Osun State Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Moroof Olawale, represented by Mr. Moshood Adepoju, expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development for its continued support in combating rabies and other zoonotic diseases.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. (Mrs) Abosede Olatokun, lauded the joint efforts of both tiers of government and urged residents to seize the opportunity.

The event, which featured the symbolic vaccination of dogs and a sensitisation session for pet owners, focused on proper pet care and the prevention of dog bites.