Stop Sale Of Dog Meat In PH -Veterinarian

Director of Veterinary Services in Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture, Dr Godwin Ukoikpoko, has appealed to the Rivers State Government to stop the sale of dog meat along the streets in the State.
Dr Ukoikpoko, who made the appeal during events marking the 2022 World Rabbies Day in Port Harcourt, said the continued sale of dog meat along the streets will increase the rate of rabies in the State since the genealogy of such dogs cannot be ascertained.
In her speech, the National President of the Nigerian Verterinary Medical Association, Dr Catherine Olutoyin Adetubure, called on the Federal Ministry of Health to make avaliable anti-Rabies Viccines to all state health facilities to enable Veterinary doctors who are at the forefront of eradicating rabies have access to it.
Noting that the theme of the celebration, “One Heath, zero death”, is apt, she called for collaborative efforts among human and animal doctors to “chase out zonotic disease from the society”.
Also speaking, former Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, Prof B.B Fakea, in his keynote address, called on the state government to employ more veterinary doctors to address public health challenges in the state.
He stated that the two Veterinary doctors in the employ of the state government is grossy inadequate to meet public health needs of the people.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Rivers State Chapter, Dr Baloji Ajayi, urged those beaten by dogs to seek medical attention on time .
Highlight of the occasion was free viccination of dogs and other animals.
The occasion was organised by the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture in Port Harcourt.

By: Ike Wigodo