The Nabdam District Assembly in Ghana's Upper East Region has sponsored a free rabies vaccination exercise for pets, targeting over 200 dogs in the area. The three-day exercise, which was part of activities to mark World Rabies Day, saw 260 dogs vaccinated. The Veterinary Services Department provided the vaccinations, with pet owners turning up in large numbers to benefit from the exercise. The initiative aimed to raise awareness about rabies and encourage responsible pet ownership through regular vaccination.
The exercise, which took place in several communities, including Kongo, Sekoti, Zanlerigu, Zua, and Nyogbare, was welcomed by pet owners who could not afford vaccination for their animals. Some beneficiaries, including Nsoh Samuel and Mort Emmanuel, commended the Assembly for the initiative, saying it had provided an opportunity for them to protect their pets against rabies. The District Veterinary Officer, Roland Ayamga, urged pet owners to make annual vaccination of their animals a priority, emphasizing the importance of vaccination for animal and human safety.
According to the District Veterinary Officer, Roland Ayamga, pet owners need to be responsible for the vaccination of their animals every year. He explained that after vaccination, pet owners would be given a receipt to defend themselves in case their pet later bites someone. Ayamga stressed that vaccination is not just for fun but for the safety of oneself and one's family. The exercise was supported by the Regional Veterinary Services Department, which provided some of the vaccines.
The Nabdam District Assembly paid for 200 doses of the vaccine to support the exercise, with the aim of protecting both animals and people from rabies. The District Chief Executive for Nabdam, Francis Tobig, said the Assembly decided to support the exercise because rabies is a fatal disease that can be prevented through timely vaccination. Tobig encouraged every pet owner to take advantage of the free vaccination and protect their pets against rabies.
World Rabies Day is observed annually to raise awareness about rabies, a deadly viral disease that can be prevented through timely vaccination. Veterinary authorities say sustained vaccination, responsible pet ownership, and public awareness remain key to preventing rabies. The disease can be fatal if not prevented or treated promptly after exposure. In Nabdam, the Assembly's initiative was seen as a step in the right direction towards preventing rabies in the district.
The free vaccination exercise was part of efforts to protect both animals and people from rabies, a disease that can have severe consequences if not prevented or treated promptly. Pet owners who had their animals vaccinated during the exercise were grateful for the opportunity to protect their pets. The exercise also provided an opportunity for veterinary authorities to educate pet owners on the importance of responsible pet ownership and regular vaccination.
In all, 260 dogs were vaccinated during the three-day exercise, which was a significant achievement for the Nabdam District Assembly and the Veterinary Services Department. The initiative demonstrated the importance of collaboration between stakeholders in preventing rabies and promoting animal health in the district. Key stakeholders are expected to continue working together to sustain the momentum in preventing rabies and promoting responsible pet ownership.
Key points
- The Nabdam District Assembly sponsored a free rabies vaccination exercise for pets, vaccinating 260 dogs in the process.
- The exercise was part of activities to mark World Rabies Day, aimed at raising awareness about rabies and encouraging responsible pet ownership.
- The District Assembly paid for 200 doses of the vaccine to support the exercise, which was also supported by the Regional Veterinary Services Department.
