By Stanley Onyekwere
Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is facing a critical public health situation following a confirmed rabies outbreak that has tragically claimed two lives in the Gwagwalada and Kwali Area Councils.
To this end, the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat (ARDS) of the FCT Administration has issued an urgent advisory to all residents, emphasizing the life-saving necessity of vaccinating and restricting domestic pets.
Dr. Karnak Dandam, the Director of Veterinary Services for the FCTA, confirmed the situation after laboratory tests returned positive.
According to him, total confirmed cases: 8 (5 in Gwagwalada, 3 in Kwali).
He added that the cases were recorded between March and June, and samples sent to the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) in Vom, Plateau State, confirmed the presence of the virus.
He noted that two people have died from rabid dog bites, explaining that while vaccination campaigns took place between December and January, a shortage of vaccine doses left a gap in herd immunity, allowing the virus to spread.
“Rabies is a fatal viral disease that attacks the central nervous system. Because survival is incredibly rare once symptoms appear, early detection in both humans and animals is critical.
He stated that n humans, early stages include: fever, headache, fatigue, and pain or tingling at the site of the bite, and advanced stages are anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, and involuntary “barking” spasms.
He however noted that in dogs & cats early behaviour changes: a friendly pet suddenly becomes secluded, quiet, and disinterested in activity.
He added that the animal becomes highly apprehensive, aggressive, and attacks without provocation (including turning on its owner).
“Residents must take their dogs and cats to designated public or private veterinary clinics for rabies vaccination and proper certification. Keep pets confined to your property to prevent them from interacting with potentially infected stray animals.
“Report any stray dogs or sudden, aggressive behavior changes in neighborhood animals to veterinary authorities immediately,” the director stated.
He assured that the FCT Administration is actively procuring additional vaccine doses to launch a comprehensive mass vaccination exercise.
He disclosed that teams will be deployed to villages, towns, and communities across all six area councils.
“During this upcoming drive, veterinary officers will visit homes to vaccinate pets, issue official vaccination certificates, and provide licensing to ensure no community is left vulnerable,” he said.
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