Enugu State Government confirms rabies outbreak in Igbo Etiti LGA, urging residents to vaccinate pets and avoid contact with stray animals.
The Enugu State Government has confirmed an outbreak of rabies in dogs in Igbo Etiti Local Government Area, prompting authorities to issue urgent precautionary measures to residents.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Dr. Patrick Ubru, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Enugu, warning that the disease poses a serious threat to both animals and humans.
According to Ubru, the government is notifying the public of the confirmed outbreak and urging residents to take immediate steps to prevent further spread. He described rabies as a highly fatal viral disease transmitted mainly through bites or saliva from infected animals, particularly dogs.
The commissioner warned that once clinical symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal, stressing the need for early prevention and prompt medical response.
He outlined containment measures including immediate vaccination of pets, restraining animals, avoiding contact with stray animals, and reporting suspected cases to authorities.
“Dog owners are strongly advised to vaccinate their pets without delay and confine their animals to prevent them from roaming freely,” Ubru said.
He also urged residents to avoid contact with stray or unfamiliar animals and report animals showing symptoms such as aggression, excessive salivation, abnormal behaviour, or paralysis to veterinary authorities.
Ubru advised anyone bitten or scratched by an animal to wash the wound thoroughly with soap under running water for at least 10 minutes and seek urgent medical attention.
The commissioner further called on community leaders to educate residents on rabies risks and prevention strategies.
He added that the ministry was working closely with relevant authorities to contain the outbreak and safeguard public health, urging residents to contact the State Veterinary Services Department for further information or to report suspected cases.
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