Hussaini Ibrahim 
KANO, Nigeria – The Kano State Government has approved ₦99 million for the implementation of phase one of its Anti-Rabies Control Programme as part of renewed efforts to strengthen public health and boost livestock development across the state.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Public Enlightenment, Ministry of Livestock Development, Halima Gadanya.
According to the statement, the approval was granted by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf as part of the administration’s commitment to protecting residents from preventable but deadly diseases.
The programme, to be coordinated by the Kano State Ministry of Livestock Development, aims to vaccinate at least 10,000 dogs in its first phase. The Commissioner for Livestock Development, Aliyu Isah Aliyu, will oversee the exercise.
Rabies is a viral disease that affects both animals and humans and is most commonly transmitted through dog bites. Health experts warn that once clinical symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal, making prevention through mass vaccination the most effective control strategy.
Speaking on the initiative, Dr. Aliyu described the programme as a critical intervention to safeguard public health and improve animal welfare in the state.
“This initiative is a decisive step toward eliminating rabies in Kano State. We are determined to work closely with stakeholders to ensure its successful implementation,” he said.
As part of broader control measures, the ministry also plans to conduct a statewide dog census to generate reliable data for effective planning, monitoring and long-term eradication strategies.
The commissioner called on residents to cooperate with vaccination teams by presenting their dogs for immunisation and supporting measures aimed at curbing the spread of rabies.
The Kano State Government reaffirmed its commitment to implementing policies and programmes that promote public health, enhance livestock development and ensure the safety and well-being of citizens.
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Oluwatobi Adu 
Koko Maxwella 
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