The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Kano state chapter has emphasizes that investing in rabies vaccination for dogs is crucial in preventing the spread of the disease to humans not wasteful spending of money and resources as some people unaware of the situations claims.
Dr. Mubashshir Mustapha, the chairman of Kano state chapter of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) disclosed this in a statement sent to GLOBAL TRACKER in Kano on Sunday.
According to him, vaccinating dogs against rabies is a cost-effective way to save lives and prevent unnecessary suffering.
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He said every one (1) hour globally, at least seven (7) people die from Rabies, adding that in less than two months, Kano state recorded eight (8) cases of rabies with many believed to be unreported.
“Did you know that from January to date in 2026 (less than 50 days), Kano State has recorded eight (8) confirmed rabies cases in dogs, with over ten (10) human victims exposed due to bites from infected dogs?, these figures represent only the cases that reached authorities. Many cases go unreported, especially from our rural and local government areas.
According to the chairman, Kano State ranks second among states with the highest rabies burden in Nigeria, and many victims die at home without proper documentation.
“Did you know that once rabies symptoms appear in a human being, it is a death sentence?,” said the chairman.
“Did you know that the most effective way to prevent this disease is by vaccinating dogs?,” Mubashshir said.
“In recent days, there has been debate over the allocation of funds for rabies vaccination of dogs in Kano State. Some people see it as a waste of money. In reality, it is an investment in saving human lives,” the chairman said.
He said “Rabies, commonly known in Hausa as “Cutar Mahaukacin Kare,” is 100% fatal once symptoms appear. Globally, over 59,000 people die annually from rabies, most of them children. Countries like ours in Africa bear the highest burden, including Nigeria, where accurate statistics are often lacking due to weak reporting systems”.
“Dogs are responsible for over 95% of human rabies cases. There is no cure for rabies once it infects a person or a dog. Therefore, the most effective and simplest way to control the disease is through vaccination of dogs, since they are the main transmitters of the virus to humans.
“The global elimination strategy “Zero by 30” aimed at ending dog-mediated human rabies deaths by 2030 was launched by; World Health Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization and World Organisation for Animal Health,” said the statement.
The statement further said vaccinating one dog is far less expensive than treating a person bitten by a dog and If vaccination is neglected, the government and even families will spend far more on treatment, hospitalization, and the consequences of lost lives.
Mubashshir further said vaccinating one dog costs between ₦5,000 and ₦7,000 in Northern Nigeria (excluding Abuja where it may cost slightly more), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for a person bitten by a dog costs between ₦60,000 and ₦100,000 — excluding additional costs such as hospital care, risk of death, disability, and other related expenses.
It added that allocating funds for dog vaccination is protection for public health, economic stability, and the future of our children.
According to the World Health Organization, about 60% to 70% of infectious diseases affecting humans originate from animals (Zoonoses). This is why global health authorities promote the One Health approach.