Dr. Ofua Urges Authorities to Trace Contacts, Test Dogs and Treat Exposed Residents
Dr Mark
A Lagos-based veterinarian and conservationist, Dr. Mark Ofua, has called for a comprehensive response to the reported outbreak of suspected rabies in parts of Kano State, warning that simply killing the dog believed to have attacked residents may not be enough to prevent further spread of the deadly disease.
Ofua, who spoke with UKATA News Environment Correspondent, Innocent Onoh, urged authorities to round up, vaccinate, quarantine and test dogs in the affected communities, with those confirmed to be infected properly eliminated.
His call followed reports that a dog suspected to be infected with rabies attacked 18 people in Garko town, Kano State, before moving into neighbouring communities where it reportedly injured seven additional residents.
The Nigerian Forest Security Service, NFSS, Kano State Command, has reportedly deployed personnel to the affected areas to track and contain the suspected rabid dog.
Reacting to the development, Ofua said the usual response in some communities was to capture and kill an affected dog, but warned that such action alone might not address the wider risk because the infected animal could have come into contact with other dogs.
He therefore called for a wider intervention covering the entire affected locality.
«“All the dogs there should be rounded off, vaccinated against the disease. They should be quarantined and tested, and if found to be rabid-infected, they are eliminated from the society,” he said.»
The veterinarian also called for a thorough investigation to establish the actual number of people who may have been exposed to the suspected rabid dog, stressing that the reported figure could be higher because some victims or contacts might not have been identified.
He urged health authorities to trace everyone who may have come into contact with the animal and ensure that exposed persons receive appropriate treatment without delay.
Ofua described rabies as a highly deadly viral disease, warning that once clinical symptoms develop, the disease is almost invariably fatal. He, however, noted that lives can be saved when people exposed to the virus receive appropriate post-exposure treatment promptly.
“The 18 people said to have been bitten by the rabid dog should be treated on time and contacts traced to identify others,” he said.
The conservationist also expressed concern that rabies remains neglected in many rural communities, where access to healthcare, veterinary services and effective government intervention can be limited.
According to him, the disease can circulate between wildlife and domestic animals, creating a potential threat to human populations when infected animals come into close contact with people.
«“Rabies is classified as a neglected tropical disease. It is usually a disease that happens around poor communities where there is poor medical framework, poor veterinary intervention and even poor government concern as opposed to the cities,” Ofua said.»
He warned that the number of people affected by rabies in Nigeria could be higher than official figures suggest, noting that some deaths may go unrecognised or be attributed to other causes.
Ofua also called for laboratory confirmation of the suspected rabid dog, stressing the importance of proper diagnosis in guiding the response.
“I hope the samples of the alleged dog were sent to the laboratory for confirmatory diagnosis,” he said, urging the local, state and Federal Governments to coordinate their response.
He said a holistic approach involving public health officials, veterinary authorities, local communities and government agencies would be necessary to prevent further transmission.
“There must be a holistic approach to ensure that the rabies menace is properly dealt with,” he said.
Ofua explained that wildlife can serve as a reservoir for the virus, which can subsequently spread to domestic animals and create a direct threat to humans.
The development has again highlighted the importance of responsible dog ownership, routine vaccination, access to veterinary services and rapid medical intervention following animal bites.
For communities affected by suspected rabies exposure, experts generally advise that anyone bitten or scratched by a potentially infected animal should seek urgent medical attention rather than waiting for symptoms to develop.
