As part of the efforts of Dr Owosibo’s administration to position FCAH&PT, Ibadan as one of the leading institutions in the field of Animal Health and production technology in Africa. The Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology in Ibadan joined the global community to celebrate World Rabies Day 2024, themed "Breaking Rabies Boundaries." The event commenced with an anti-rabies football campaign titled "Kick-Out Rabies," organized by the College's sports unit.
Professor Garba Hamidu Sharubutu, Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), highlighted his long-standing commitment to combating rabies since his graduation as a veterinary doctor at the opening event of 3-days anti-rabies campaign in Ibadan metropolis by the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Ibadan. He praised the College's innovative approach to the 2024 campaign, emphasizing the importance of addressing rabies not only as an animal disease but also as significant zoonotic threat. He highlighted his long-standing fight against zoonosis. This started at College of Agriculture Ikwo, in today’s Ebonyi State where he combated Anthrax. During his postgraduate studies at the University of Ibadan, he confronted Brucella head long and the campaign continued all through his tenure as the President of NVMA in Nigeria. This effort against zoonosis is sustained until today as an Executive Secretary of Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria to ensure food security in the nation.
He remarked that the fight against rabies can be likened to a fight against insecurity that does not
involve guns or firearms, because the fight against insecurity also involves a fight against diseases that are zoonotic and requires a one health approach. Zoonotic diseases like rabies therefore demand our urgent attention. He noted that rabies ranks high among zoonotic diseases and he recalled his efforts during his tenure as President of both the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association and the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, where he championed nationwide vaccination initiatives.
Rabies, a viral disease affecting the central nervous system, is characterized by progressive encephalitis and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. The disease leads to an estimated21,500 deaths annually in West and Central Africa, with around 99% of human cases resulting from bites or exposure to infected dogs. Children aged 5 to 14 are particularly vulnerable, although all age groups are at risk.
Common symptoms in infected animals include fever, drooling, aggression, and seizures. Inhumans, symptoms may start with numbness or pain at the bite site and can progress to severe neurological issues and death. Once clinical signs manifest, rabies is virtually 100% fatal, underscoring the necessity for early intervention and vaccination.
Preventative measures are crucial in controlling and eradicating rabies. Vaccination of dogs, particularly through mass campaigns, is considered the most effective strategy to curb
transmission. Public education on dog behaviour and bite prevention, along with pre-exposure prophylaxis for at-risk individuals, and post-exposure prophylaxis for exposed individuals are vital components of a comprehensive rabies control strategy.
In the event of a dog bite, washing the wound thoroughly is recommended and seeking immediate medical attention while also gathering information about the animal for further observation.
The Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology continues to raise awareness and promote preventive measures by organising yearly free mass vaccination of dogs in Ibadan to mark the World rabies day. The 2024 free vaccination campaign was held on 27thand 28thSeptember at the Akala express axis of Ibadan. The fight against rabies remains a critical public health challenge in Nigeria and beyond and these strategies are key in controlling the rabies menace
