A STATISTICAL UNIVARIATE ANALYSIS OF THE GENERAL RESPONSE OF LOCAL DOGS TO VACCINATION..

A STATISTICAL UNIVARIATE ANALYSIS OF THE GENERAL RESPONSE OF LOCAL DOGS TO VACCINATION (A CASE STUDY OF THE NATIONAL VETERINARY RESEARCH INSTITUTE, VOM PLATEAU STATE)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Vaccination of dogs generally is of utmost importance to us seeing that dog is man’s best friend. Vaccinating dogs not only helps to save dogs from infections but it also helps to protect man, seeing that we humans are in constant contact with dogs and most Nigerians eat dogs. So therefore it is essential we take proper care of dogs around us by vaccinating them appropriately.
Prompt Vaccinations protects dogs from specific diseases that can make it very sick, disable or even kill it. They help to boost the dog’s immune system against pathogens or disease causing organisms.

Vaccines create immunity that protects dogs from an infection without causing the suffering of the disease itself.
Dog Vaccination is when a virus, or bacteria, is deliberately administered to a dog (usually by injection) so that the dog’s immune system can prepare to fight a future infection (Adams 2005). There are vaccines to help prevent many illnesses that affect dogs. Vaccinating your dog has long been considered one of the easiest ways to help him live a long and healthy life. Not only are there different vaccines for different diseases, there are different types and combinations of vaccines in Nigeria today. Regular and prompt vaccination of dogs have contributed both to the health of dogs and to the public health. In countries where routine rabies vaccination of dogs is practiced, for example, rabies in humans is reduced to a barest minimum.

Generally in Nigeria, we have two major types of dog vaccines in Nigeria namely, the killed vaccine which is locally made here in Nigeria and the modified live vaccine (MLV) which is often imported into the country (Obi 2005).

A STATISTICAL UNIVARIATE ANALYSIS OF THE GENERAL RESPONSE OF LOCAL DOGS TO VACCINATION (A CASE STUDY OF THE NATIONAL VETERINARY RESEARCH INSTITUTE, VOM PLATEAU STATE)