馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Wildlife expert advocates for snake protection laws to combat Lassa fever in Nigeria
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Dr. Mark Ofua, a wildlife conservation expert and veterinarian, has urged the Federal Government to enact and enforce laws protecting snakes and other wildlife species to reduce the spread of Lassa fever and other zoonotic diseases in Nigeria. Speaking on World Zoonoses Day, Ofua warned that the indiscriminate killing of natural predators like snakes leads to a proliferation of disease-carrying rodents, particularly multimammate rats that transmit the Lassa fever virus. He emphasized that snakes play a crucial role in controlling rat populations and that protecting them allows nature to manage these pests effectively. Ofua also called for public awareness campaigns to change perceptions about animals such as snakes, owls, and cats, which he considers important in preventing rodent-borne diseases. He highlighted that the widespread use of rodenticides is harming birds of prey like owls and eagles, as they consume poisoned rodents and die, further weakening natural pest control. Additionally, Ofua advocated for stricter regulation of the bushmeat trade, specifically banning the hunting, selling, and importing of primates due to the risk of Ebola transmission. He stressed that wildlife conservation is a strategy for sustainable resource management and public health protection, stating that healthy ecosystems are effective natural barriers against zoonotic disease outbreaks.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
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