Suspected Rabid Dog Moves Through Kano Communities, Bites 18 People
Seven more residents attacked as Nigerian Forest Security Service deploys personnel to contain suspected rabid dogs
A suspected rabid dog has attacked and bitten 18 people in Garko town, Kano State, before moving into neighbouring communities where it reportedly injured seven additional residents.
The affected communities include Raba, Kadage, Gurjiya and Dausai, all in Garko Local Government Area, raising concerns among residents as security personnel intensify efforts to track and contain the animal.
The Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), Kano State Command, has deployed personnel to the affected communities following reports of the attacks.
State Commander of the NFSS, Abdullahi Al’ameen, disclosed this in a statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Usman Abdullahi-Umar.
Al’ameen said the command received a distress report at about 2 p.m. that a dog suspected to be infected with rabies had attacked residents in Garko town.
A victim
According to him, the dog subsequently moved into neighbouring communities, where it reportedly attacked and bit seven more people.
The commander said the latest reports brought the total number of victims linked to the suspected rabid dog to 18.
The situation has also raised concerns about possible transmission among other animals, as the NFSS said it received another report indicating that two additional dogs in the area were suspected to have been infected with rabies.
Following the reports, personnel of the NFSS Garko Division, led by the Divisional Forest Officer, Auwalu Muhammad, were deployed to the affected communities to track the suspected rabid dogs and prevent further attacks.
Residents Urged to Stay Alert
The NFSS urged residents of Garko and neighbouring communities to remain vigilant and promptly report sightings of stray dogs or animals suspected to be infected with rabies.
Residents were advised to contact the nearest NFSS office or other security agencies if they encounter suspicious or aggressive dogs.
Al’ameen also urged anyone who may have been bitten by a suspected rabid dog to seek immediate medical attention, stressing the importance of prompt action following a suspected exposure.
He assured residents that the NFSS would continue monitoring the situation and take necessary measures to prevent further attacks.
The development has heightened concerns in the affected communities, particularly as the suspected animal reportedly moved from one community to another before additional residents were attacked.
