By Daniel Tyokua
The Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat (ARDS) of FCT has commenced this year free animal vaccination from house-to-house.
A statement issued by the deputy director, Public Relations Department of ARDS, Alhaji Zakari Aliyu said the exercise which kicked off today was to check the outbreak and spread of communicable viral diseases in animals.
The Director of Veterinary Services Department in the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Dr. Mrs. Regina held a meeting with the animal health officials of the Secretariat to fine tune arrangements for the take off of the exercise.
She expressed worry that despite the efforts by the Secretariat to sensitise the public on the hazards of the rabies virus, the turn out in the veterinary clinics have not been impressive.
The new approach which according to her was approved by the Honourable Minister of State FCT, Dr Ramatu Tijani Aliyu, will involve the deployment of Veterinary Doctors and other Animal Health officials to all the nooks and crannies of the FCT for the vaccination exercise.
In her words “this year’s exercise will commence as from Monday 10th to Friday 14th February, 2020 and i want to appeal to pet owners particularly dogs and cats to cooperate with our health officials who will be visiting their homes”
Adulugba further who warned that the virus has no cure stressed the need for pest owners to take necessary precautionary preventive measures which is to regularly vaccinate the animals on a yearly basis.
On the signs to look out for, Dr. Adulugba said includes hanging of the jaw in animals with saliva drooping from their mouths, reserved or photophobic action where the animals shield themselves from light, aggressive behaviours etc.
“An infected dog or cat can very easily transmit this virus either through biting or theirs saliva drooping. It is important to visit the nearest Veterinary clinic if one notices all the signs in their pets or are bitten by the pets. Our offices are located in all the six Area Councils of the FCT” Dr Adulugba warned.
She commended the Hon. Minister of State Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu for the approving the timey release of fund to enable the Secretariat procure vaccines and other requirements needed to carry out the exercise.
