The Enugu State Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization, has confirmed an outbreak of dog rabies in Igbo Etiti Local Government Area.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Dr. Patrick Ubru, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Enugu.
Ubru said the government is notifying the public of the confirmed outbreak and urging residents to take immediate precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.
He explained that rabies is a highly fatal viral disease affecting both animals and humans, primarily transmitted through the bite or saliva of infected animals, particularly dogs.
The commissioner warned that once clinical symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal.
Ubru outlined several containment measures, including immediate vaccination, restraining animals, avoiding contact with strays, and reporting suspected cases.
“Dog owners are strongly advised to vaccinate their pets without delay, confine their animals, and prevent them from roaming freely. Residents should avoid contact with stray or unfamiliar animals. Any animal showing symptoms such as aggression, excessive salivation, abnormal behavior, or paralysis should be reported immediately to veterinary authorities.
“Anyone bitten or scratched by an animal should wash the wound thoroughly with soap under running water for at least 10 minutes and seek urgent medical attention,” he said.
He also called on community leaders to educate residents on rabies prevention and associated risks.
Ubru added that the ministry is working closely with relevant authorities to contain the outbreak and safeguard public health, advising residents to contact the State Veterinary Services Department for more information or to report suspected cases.
