Vet advises people to ensure their pets are vaccinated and fed with proper nutrition to protect them
A veterinarian has raised concern over increased animal diseases induced by climate change.
The Nakuru Country Veterinary Officer, Onesmous Getui, advised people to ensure their pets, particularly dogs, are vaccinated and fed with proper nutrition to protect them from emerging threats.
Dr Getui said despite many people keeping dogs, most are yet to appreciate the fundamental significance and psychological value the canines bring to the owners and family members.
“My concern is the poor care extended to the animals, and yet appropriate care of vaccination, washing, and clean kennels is necessary to protect families from increased zoonotic diseases,” he said.
Getui warned against purchasing puppies that have not been vaccinated twice, first at six to eight weeks, and a second dose at ten weeks.
“A puppy without, a card signed by a veterinarian is at a higher risk of spreading diseases,” he added.
Dr Getui further said that the old traditional belief that dogs belong to small boys was the cause of many strays, which not only spread rabies but more zoonotic diseases induced by climate change.
The vet said only families who appreciate the intrinsic value of dogs should keep them to reduce the danger of roaming and neglected dogs which expose communities to more diseases.
“Keeping any pet, including dogs, should only be for those people who acknowledge the intrinsic worthiness of animals since they recognise that animals’ rights are no longer automatically subordinate to man’s interests,” he said.
He added that food safety measures, proper hygiene, and safe drinking water for pets decrease the risk of foodborne and waterborne zoonosis.
“Good sanitation and maximum hygiene decrease the risk of infection when interacting with animals, particularly, children who like hugging them,” he said.
Source: MY Gov