Bauchi State Flags Off Anti-Rabies Vaccination for 2,000 Dogs

By Uzairu Dauda Bunga:

The Bauchi State Government has launched a statewide anti-rabies vaccination campaign targeting 2,000 dogs as part of efforts to curb the spread of rabies and safeguard public health.

The Commissioner, Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Bala Musa Lukshi, disclosed this during the official flag-off ceremony held at the Kofar Ran Veterinary Clinic in Bauchi.

Dr. Lukshi described the vaccination exercise as a crucial public health intervention aimed at protecting both animals and humans from one of the deadliest viral diseases — rabies.

He noted that rabies remains a serious threat in many communities, primarily transmitted through dog bites, and can only be prevented through timely vaccination.

Dr Musa Lukshi emphasized that, preventing rabies is not just an animal health issue; it’s about saving human lives, especially children who are most at risk.

The Commissioner revealed that from January to October 2025, the state recorded 128 cases of dog bites and 15 confirmed rabies infections, according to data from the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom.

He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening veterinary services, enhancing disease surveillance, and increasing public awareness of zoonotic diseases, with the goal of achieving a rabies-free Bauchi State through annual vaccination campaigns.

Dr. Lukshi also commended the collaboration between the federal and state governments, describing it as a model of synergy under the One Health approach, which promotes the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health.

Representing the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, the Director of Veterinary Services at the federal ministry, Dr. Elias Bitrus, highlighted the global and national burden of rabies, noting that the disease kills more than 50,000 people annually, with Africa and Asia bearing the greatest impact.

He disclosed that Bauchi State received 2,000 doses out of the 26,000 anti-rabies vaccine doses allocated nationwide, urging dog owners to bring their pets for free vaccination to ensure the campaign’s success.

Dr Bitrus stated that, rabies continues to claim thousands of lives each year, particularly among children under 15, saying the federal government has prioritized rabies control under the One Health framework, working closely with human, animal, and environmental health stakeholders.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Bauchi State Ministry of Livestock Development, Malam Yakubu Aliyu Dahuwa, thanked the federal ministry for its partnership and support, describing the campaign as a life-saving initiative for both humans and animals across the state.

He called on stakeholders in the livestock sector to continue supporting government programs aimed at improving public health and animal welfare.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Director of Veterinary Services in the state ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Ibrahim Bello, commended the Commissioner’s leadership, noting that since assuming office, he has been proactive in promoting animal health through regular vaccination exercises and preventive programs.

Some dog owners who benefited from the vaccination exercise expressed gratitude to the Bauchi State Government and pledged to mobilize others to participate in the free vaccination campaign.