The Kwara state government yesterday began dog vaccination to stem rabies infection in the state. Twelve of the animals were injected with anti-rabies vaccine in Omu Aran at the launch of a sensitisation campaign organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Rabies is caused by a virus that attacks the brain, and a person can become infected through a bite from a rabid dog.

A veterinary doctor, Dr Ahmed Abubakar, said on the occasion that rabies virus was rampant in the state, especially in Omu Aran.

Abubakar said out of the seven dogs found to be carrying the virus in the town, two had been killed, two others had died, while three had escaped.

"We have just forwarded a report on rabies in Kwara State to Abuja and this informs the organisation of this particular event.

"It is not compulsory for people to keep dogs but if you must do that, you should be ready to abide by the laid-down rules and regulations, especially when such animals become a threat to other people," Abubakar said.

Abubakar urged the people to be careful in dealing with dogs suspected to be carrying the virus, saying that there was no cure for it, especially when the bite is on the nerves.

According to him, the disease affects the nervous system of livestock except poultry and are categorised into furious and dumb rabies.(NAN)