FG Distributes 6250 Doses of Anti Rabies Vaccines to Cross River

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services Abuja said it has released a total of 6,250 doses of Anti-Rabies vaccines to the State.

Director of Veterinary and Pest Control Services Dr. Olaniran Alabi disclosed this in Calabar yesterday at the on-going nationwide campaign of free anti rabies vaccination in the country.

He said that dogs account for 90% of human deaths from rabies in the world and that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that 70% of dogs be vaccinated each year in order to eliminate the disease.

Dr. Olaniran Alabi who was represented by the consultant Veterinary Public Health, Dr. Ikeker Enma Okoli also said that 70,000 people die yearly of rabies globally.

According to him, less that 5% of dogs are vaccinated in Cross River due to the high cost of the vaccines.

The consultant explained that to achieve the global effort of 2030 target, it received a support of 200,000 doses from WHO for distribution to all the 36 states in the federation including Abuja.

In his remarks, the state commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ntufarm Okon Owuna expressed Cross River State commitment to the elimination of the deadly rabies disease.

He commended the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for the provision of the 6,250 doses of anti-rabies vaccines and assured that they will be distributed to all the 18 Local Government Areas of the state.

Ntufarm Owuna who was represented by the Director of Administration Barr. Egbe Christopher Ojong also said that awareness creation will be made to achieve the desired impact.

He appealed to individuals and the public to bring their dogs for vaccination free.

In his remarks the Director of Veterinary Services Cross River State, Dr. Obi Patrick O. commended the state government for the continuous support and keen interest in all veterinary activities and livestock. He said that after the campaign the state will be free from the virus.

High point was the demonstration of free rabies vaccination by the National Veterinary Association, Cross River State Dr. Emmanuel Egan Abung and assisted by Dr. Jude Udiandeye and others.