Veterinarians in Rivers State are meeting in Port Harcourt today for a symposium focused on preventing rabies and improving responsible dog ownership in the state.
The programme, organised by the Rivers State chapter of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), is taking place at the Rivers State University Amphitheatre, Nkpolu.
The symposium is part of the chapter’s activities ahead of this year’s World Rabies Day, which is observed globally on September 28.
The Rivers NVMA has been using the campaign to draw attention to dog vaccination and the need for residents to take greater responsibility for animals in their care.
The association has also been working with the Rivers State Police Command on the enforcement of regulations covering dog ownership and vaccination.
Rivers NVMA chairman, Dr Gloria Daminabo, said cooperation between veterinarians, the police and other stakeholders would be important in reducing the risk of rabies in the state.
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The association has described rabies as a disease that can almost always be prevented when people receive appropriate care after exposure and dogs are properly vaccinated.
Ahead of today’s event, the veterinary association has also carried out public sensitisation activities, including school outreach and a community dog vaccination programme.
This year’s campaign is being held under the theme, “Stronger Together”, highlighting the need for communities, veterinary professionals, health workers and government agencies to work together against rabies.
World Rabies Day is observed on September 28 each year to raise awareness about the disease and promote efforts to prevent human deaths from rabies.
For Rivers residents, the campaign is also an opportunity to draw attention to what happens after dog bites and scratches, particularly the importance of seeking medical attention quickly rather than waiting for symptoms to appear.
The NVMA has called for continued public awareness, dog vaccination, and enforcement of existing regulations as part of efforts to reduce the risk of rabies across Rivers State.
