Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Enugu State Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization has alerted residents to an outbreak of canine rabies in Igbo Etiti Local Government Area of the state.
In an official statement released on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Health, Patrick Ubru, said the situation requires immediate community cooperation to prevent human fatalities.
According to the statement, rabies is a viral disease that, while preventable, is almost 100 per cent fatal once clinical symptoms appear.
“Rabies is primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, typically via bites or scratches. While dogs are the most common carriers in this region, the virus can affect all mammals, including humans,” the statement said.
The ministry urged residents to remain vigilant and keep a close watch on animals in their communities.
“A rabid animal may exhibit unusual aggression or irritability, excessive salivation or foaming at the mouth, abnormal behaviour—such as a wild animal appearing overly friendly—and partial or total paralysis,” it added.
To contain the outbreak, the ministry outlined key measures for residents and pet owners. It advised that all dogs and pets be vaccinated immediately, and that animals be properly confined within residential compounds to prevent roaming.
Residents were also cautioned against approaching or feeding stray or unfamiliar animals, and urged to promptly report any animal showing unusual behaviour to the nearest veterinary authority.
The ministry further called on community leaders and stakeholders to intensify awareness efforts to ensure households understand the risks associated with rabies.
