Grand Cereals Limited (GCL), a Jos-based producers of Binggo Dog Food, says it is partnering with the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) to reduce rabies, a disease caused by dog bites.

GCL Marketing Manager, Mr Tope Banjo, said this on Monday in Jos, that the partnership became necessary because of the danger posed by the disease to both dogs and humans.

``Rabies is a severe and often fatal viral disease that affects the dog’s brain and central nervous system.

``Humans get infected from bites by an infected dog which could lead to sudden death when the situation is not properly managed.

``Rabies is an important disease of public health concern, and there is need to step awareness about the disease,’’ he said.

According to him, GCL's active participation in the World Rabies Day, celebrated by the NVMA in Lagos, Abuja, Jos and Uyo, spurred its desire to collaborate with stakeholders to check rabies.

He said that the partnership was hinged on the company's quest for a rabies free society,

Banjo stressed the need for dog breeders and other stakeholders to have healthy dogs that would serve the purposes for which they were being reared.

``During the Rabies Day, which is usually celebrated on the September 28, we emphasised the need for constant vaccination, and the need to give food that is fresh and healthy to dogs.

``Because most of the foreign foods spend months on high seas before reaching Nigeria shores, they suffer from acute nutrient deterioration which affects the health of our dogs.

``This anomaly is what Binggo Dog Food seeks to address by insisting on a fresh, balanced and wholesome meal for man’s best friend,’’ he said.

The marketing manager, who represented GCL at the Rabies Day in Lagos, quoted the Lagos NVMA Chairman, Dr Alao Mobolaji as advising dog breeders to always vaccinate their dogs against dreaded rabies disease.

``Mobolaji also used that activity to commend the flavour and nutrients of Binggo foods which he described it as ``very satisfactory.''

``He also advised dog owners to always patronise dog foods made in Nigeria because of their advantages of being fresh,’’ Banjo added.

Mr Mathew Asuelimen, GCL National Marketing Manager, who represented the company during this year’s Rabies Day event in Abuja, said that the company introduced the product after years of intensive research.

Asuelimen stated that the product was developed to meet the yearnings and aspirations of breeders and dog owners.

``Binggo Dog Food is a premium dry dog food that is proudly 100 per cent Nigerian; it is an extruded and highly nutritious dog meal that requires no cooking,'' he added.