Rabies outbreak: Residents urged to be cautious

By Stanley Onyekwere

Following the recent outbreak of rabies FCT residents have been cautioned to be cautious as the disease is highly fatal and almost incurable once the disease begins to manifest.
Recall there has been an upsurge of rabies outbreak in the FCT in recent times, and relevant agencies have embarked on a campaign to sensitize FCT residents on the importance of vaccinating their animals.
Also, the FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat (ARDS) has commenced free vaccination exercise for dogs and cats in the FCT
According to Director, Veterinary Services Department of the ARDS, Dr. Mrs. Regina Adulugba, who gave the caution, residents should ensure that they confine their pets especially dogs to minimize the risk of attacks.
Adulugba disclosed that ARDS has procured enough vaccines and other necessary inputs to carry out the exercise free of charge as directed by the FCT Administration between now and December, 2019.
She made this disclosure while addressing Veterinary officers of the Secretariat at the start of the exercise at the FCT Veterinary clinic in Nyanya, Abuja.
“I am calling on all residents not just dog and cat owners to be cautious because as at the moment, there has not been any confirmed cure for the disease.
“Even the saliva from an infected pet can be dangerous so it is important to take caution.
“It is important to note also that not just dogs, even cats can be carriers of the rabies virus so our best bet is to annually vaccinate these animals.
“We have fully mobilized all our Veterinary doctors and other health workers and we will be taking the campaign to all the 6 Area Councils of the FCT to offer the free vaccines.
I therefore all on pet owners to take advantage of the window to vaccinate their animals.”
She however warned the officers against unprofessional conducts as a team has been put in place to monitor their activities.