Ewekoro Animal Health Outreach
The Ewekoro Animal Health Outreach was conducted on 11th and 12th of May, 2023 in villages within Ewekoro, Ogun State, through a collaboration between IDRC and the Centre for Control and Prevention of Zoonoses (CCPZ). Led by Dr. Jolaoso Funmi and supported by a multidisciplinary veterinary and animal health team, the outreach aimed to promote animal well-being in hunting communities through sero-monitoring, zoonotic disease surveillance, sample collection, and targeted vaccination of dogs.
The program established structured service stations for registration, examination, sample collection, and vaccination. Dogs, goats, and sheep were attended to, with blood, faecal, and smear samples collected, properly labelled, and stored for laboratory analysis. A total of 232 caprine, 181 canine, and 119 ovine samples were obtained, while 66 dogs were vaccinated against rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus. Preliminary health assessments were conducted to identify visible abnormalities and provide immediate guidance to animal owners.
Beyond clinical services, the outreach incorporated community education on responsible animal ownership, hygiene practices, routine veterinary care, and zoonotic disease prevention. Given the close interaction between hunting dogs, wildlife, and domestic environments, emphasis was placed on regular vaccination and preventive healthcare as critical measures to reduce zoonotic transmission risks at the human–animal interface.
Despite challenges including limited sample collection materials and variable community participation, the outreach successfully strengthened animal health surveillance and vaccination coverage within the community. The initiative highlights the value of integrated veterinary outreach, community engagement, and collaborative partnerships in advancing zoonotic disease prevention and sustainable animal health management in Ogun State.
