Abuja:Blueblood Vet Services has initiated a one-year free rabies vaccination program targeting selected communities in four states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Bala Muhammed, Director of Blueblood Vet Services, announced the program during the National Symposium on Rabies Elimination in Abuja. The vaccination effort aims to reach hard-to-reach communities in Kuje Area Council of the FCT, and in Niger, Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States, with a target of vaccinating approximately 55,000 dogs.
The initiative is part of efforts to eliminate human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030, with an estimated cost of N18 million for products and services. Vaccination has already commenced in Kuje and Niger, with over 30 dogs vaccinated so far. Muhammed called on hunters, vigilantes, youth groups, and traditional and faith-based leaders to help improve access to communities, report dog-bite cases, and raise public awareness about appropriate bite management.
The Small Animal Veterinary Association of Nigeria (SAVAN), in collaboration with its members, has also started free rabies vaccinations in Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Akwa Ibom, and Abia States. SAVAN is responsible for sourcing canine vaccines and human pre- and post-exposure vaccines, as well as providing technical coordination. The association is working with a pharmaceutical company to supply prophylaxis for frontline workers.
SAVAN has deployed two teams, each consisting of a veterinarian and three assistant veterinarians, with an estimated monthly operational cost of about N1.2 million.