Enugu Orders Dog Vaccination Drive Amid Rabies Outbreak

News in Brief

-The Enugu State Government issued an urgent call for pet vaccination, animal confinement, and case reporting after a confirmed dog rabies outbreak in Igbo Etiti LGA.

-Authorities assure containment efforts are underway, urging community leaders to boost awareness while directing queries to the State Veterinary Services Department.

The Enugu State Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation has issued an urgent call for pet vaccination, animal confinement, and case reporting following the confirmation of a rabies outbreak in the Igbo Etiti Local Government Area of the state.

In a public notice issued on Tuesday, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Patrick Ubru, called for caution, highlighting the outbreak of dog rabies, which poses serious risks to both animals and humans.

He warned residents to take necessary preventive measures to avoid the spread of the deadly viral disease, while assuring them of the government's drastic effort to contain it.

Mr Ubru, in his notice, described rabies as a highly fatal disease, stressing that infection is usually transmitted through bites or saliva of infected animals, particularly dogs.

“Rabies is a highly fatal viral disease that affects both animals and humans. It is primarily transmitted through the bite or saliva of infected animals, especially dogs. Once clinical signs appear, the disease is almost always fatal,” the statement warned

Urgent Preventive Actions for Pet Owners

As part of efforts to contain the outbreak, the ministry has urged dog owners to immediately vaccinate their pets, emphasising this as the most effective control measure. Residents were also instructed to restrain their animals and prevent them from roaming freely, a critical step in rural areas where dogs often assist in herding livestock or guarding farms.

“Pet owners should confine their animals and prevent them from roaming freely,” the notice added, while urging members of the public to avoid contact with stray or unfamiliar animals.

The government further called for vigilance and prompt reporting of suspected cases to curb potential spread to neighbouring farming communities.

Identifying and Reporting Suspected Cases

The commissioner in the notice also instructed the public to report any suspected animal showing signs of rabies, such as aggression, excessive salivation, abnormal behaviour, or paralysis, immediately to the nearest veterinary authority within their local government area.

He further advised that individuals bitten or scratched by animals should seek urgent medical attention while also providing first aid guidance.

“Anyone bitten or scratched by an animal should immediately wash the wound thoroughly with mild soap under running water for at least 10 minutes and seek urgent medical care at the nearest health facility,” the notice stated

Mr Ubru also called on community leaders to raise awareness on these prevention measures, fostering collaboration between local stakeholders, veterinary services, and health facilities.

The commissioner assured that the government is working with relevant authorities to contain the outbreak and safeguard public health, with residents directed to contact the State Veterinary Services Department for more information.