The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Kogi State Chapter, has called on the state government to employ at least two veterinary doctors in each of the state’s 21 Local Government Areas to strengthen rabies surveillance and improve the state’s One Health response.

The Chairman of the association, Dr Tolu Omotugba, made the call on Monday in Lokoja during a press conference organised to commemorate World Rabies Day 2026 at the NVMA Secretariat.

According to Omotugba, Kogi State cannot afford to be complacent about rabies, given its 21 local government areas, sizeable dog population and the widespread use of dogs for hunting and security purposes.

‘Rabies Is Almost Always Fatal Once Symptoms Appear’

Omotugba described rabies as a highly fatal but preventable disease, noting that the disease is almost invariably fatal once clinical symptoms develop but can be prevented through timely vaccination and appropriate post-exposure measures.

He acknowledged the efforts of veterinary officers currently serving in the Kogi State civil service but said their number remains inadequate to effectively cover the entire state.

“We have about 28 to 30 veterinary officers currently in the Kogi civil service, which is not enough. Some LGAs do not even have the presence of a veterinary officer,” he said.

He explained that the association was recommending a minimum of two veterinary doctors per LGA to improve disease surveillance and reporting, particularly for diseases that pose risks to public health.

According to him, the state could eventually increase the number to as many as five veterinary doctors per LGA to provide wider coverage.

‘A Single Dog Bite Can Endanger a Family’

The NVMA chairman recalled the reported deaths linked to rabies in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State in 2025, including three members of the same family.

He used the incident to highlight the potentially devastating consequences of dog bites when victims do not receive appropriate medical intervention.

“A single dog bite, a single scratch, can end a family,” Omotugba warned.

‘Stronger Together’ Requires One Health Collaboration

The 2026 World Rabies Day theme, “Stronger Together,” formed a central part of the association’s message.

Omotugba stressed that eliminating rabies requires coordinated action involving the Ministries of Health, Environment, Education and Livestock, alongside veterinary and medical professionals, environmental health officers, community leaders and dog owners.

He said rabies control should not be treated solely as a veterinary issue because the disease cuts across animal health, human health and environmental management.

Call for Wider Dog Vaccination

Omotugba commended the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, for its stated goal of achieving 70 per cent annual dog vaccination coverage and zero human deaths from rabies by 2030.

He noted that 26,000 vaccine doses were deployed to eight high-risk states in 2025, while the Federal Capital Territory recently commenced a campaign targeting the vaccination of 20,000 dogs.

He urged Kogi State to intensify its own vaccination efforts, particularly in communities with large dog populations.

NVMA Wants Modern Rabies Laws in Kogi

The association also raised concerns about the legal framework governing rabies and dog ownership in Kogi State.

Omotugba said the state still relies on outdated legislation, including the Rabies Act of 1935 and the Dogs Law, Cap 36 of Northern Nigeria.

He argued that although the laws provide provisions relating to dog licensing and seizure, they do not adequately address modern issues such as responsible dog ownership, dog population management, vaccination enforcement and humane control of stray animals.

According to him, fewer than five per cent of dogs in Lokoja, Okene, Anyigba and Ankpa are currently licensed.

“We cannot eliminate a 21st-century disease with 20th-century laws,” he said.

Association Backs Kogi Rabies Control Bill

Omotugba consequently called on the Kogi State Government to domesticate the Kogi State Rabies Control and Responsible Dog Ownership Bill 2026.

He said the proposed legislation should make annual rabies vaccination compulsory, establish a comprehensive dog registry, provide penalties for irresponsible dog ownership and introduce humane approaches to managing stray dogs.

He also called for an end to indiscriminate shooting of stray dogs, advocating instead for humane and effective population-management measures.

Dedicated Funding and One Health Task Force Sought

The association further urged the government to establish a dedicated budget line for rabies control under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project.

According to Omotugba, such funding would support free mass dog vaccination, public sensitisation campaigns and access to post-exposure prophylaxis for people exposed to rabies through dog bites or other incidents.

He also proposed the establishment of a Kogi One Health Rabies Task Force to coordinate activities among relevant government agencies and stakeholders.

Omotugba expressed confidence that stronger investment, improved surveillance, responsible dog ownership and coordinated action could place Kogi State on a path toward eliminating rabies.

“Let Kogi lead as the first state in North-Central to be rabies-free,” he said.