A Veterinary Surgeon with the National Park Service (NPS), Dr. Abdulrahman Muhammad, has urged Nigerians not to ignore dog bites, stressing the importance of seeking immediate medical attention and ensuring regular vaccination of dogs to prevent rabies related deaths.
According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Muhammad gave the advice in an interview in Abuja, describing rabies as a deadly but preventable viral disease transmitted through infected animals.
He explained that rabies attacks the central nervous system and is commonly spread through the saliva of infected mammals, particularly dogs, bats and cats.
Muhammad said delayed medical treatment remains a major cause of avoidable deaths, as many victims of dog bites still rely on traditional remedies instead of visiting health facilities.
According to him, such practices significantly increase the risk of developing rabies, a disease that is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, despite being preventable through prompt medical intervention.
“Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, but it is completely preventable if victims immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water and seek post exposure vaccination,” he said.
The veterinary surgeon advised Nigerians not to disregard any dog bite, no matter how minor it may appear, noting that early medical treatment greatly improves the chances of survival.
He identified dogs as the major source of rabies transmission to humans in Nigeria, although cats, bats and other infected mammals can also spread the virus.
Muhammad urged dog owners to vaccinate their pets annually and ensure they are properly restrained to minimise the risk of transmitting the disease.
According to him, mass vaccination of dogs remains the most effective strategy for eliminating human rabies and reducing its burden across affected communities.
“Vaccinating dogs remains the most effective way to prevent human rabies. Responsible pet ownership is essential to eliminating the disease,” he said.
The World Health Organization estimates that rabies claims about 10,000 human lives annually in Nigeria, highlighting the need for stronger prevention and control measures.
The organisation also noted that the Cross River State Department of Veterinary Services has partnered with the Global Alliance for Rabies Control to strengthen surveillance and improve rabies detection.
According to the WHO, stakeholders from the human health, animal health, environment and wildlife sectors have developed a National Rabies Rapid Response Toolkit to support coordinated prevention and response efforts.
The toolkit adopts a One Health approach to support Nigeria’s efforts to eliminate dog mediated human rabies and achieve the global target of ending the disease by 2030.
Leave a comment