Rabies outbreak reported in two local government areas of Benue state

An outbreak of rabies virus has hit Kwande and Gboko Local Government Areas of Benue State with total of seven persons bitten by two dogs, while the government has commenced contact tracing to identify those involved.

Penpushing reports that the Director General, Benue State Bureau of Livestock Development and Transboundary Animal Diseases Control, Aondoakaa Asambe, confirmed the development on Monday, explaining that the bureau received reports of suspected rabies cases after a dog bite incident affecting multiple individuals in Adikpo, Kwande, and Gboko local government areas.

The Director General stated that investigations revealed that the infected dog in Adikpo was sold to vendors to process for consumption, adding that the head of the dog was received and submitted to the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI)

“Thankfully, the dog’s head was retrieved and submitted to the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) in Vom, Plateau, where laboratory results confirmed the presence of the rabies virus’, Asambe said.

Penpushing further reports that he stated that this outbreak serves as a sobering reminder of the need for urgent action to meet the World Health Organisation(WHO’s) 2030 target to eliminate dog bite-transmitted rabies, explaining that the result showed that the dog bite in Gboko council area is also a case of rabies.

The Director General in response to the outbreak, said the bureau, in collaboration with the One Health Development Initiative (OHDI) and other critical stakeholders, has taken steps to address it.

‘Tracing and identifying exposed individuals for immediate medical intervention. Community sensitisation campaigns to raise awareness about rabies prevention and control. Ring vaccination of dogs in Adikpo and the launch of a mass anti-rabies vaccination campaign across Kwande and Gboko to curb the spread of the disease’, he said

Penpushing also reports that noted that the interventions became necessary following the critical role dogs play in rural areas as companions, security providers, and contributors to livelihoods (hunting) assuring that the government aim to address the current outbreak and strengthen long-term preventive measures.

“Looking ahead, the bureau is committed to draughting and implementing a subnational rabies eradication plan, which will guide our coordinated efforts to achieve a rabies-free Benue state by 2030,” he added.

“We call on all pet owners to vaccinate their dogs and cats against rabies as required by law. The bureau will continue to provide the necessary support to ensure the success of the vaccination programme’, Asambe stressed

Penpushing reports that he, however, urged residents of the state to be vigilant and report any suspected rabies cases in animals to the nearest veterinary office or local authorities, adding that additionally, anyone bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal should seek medical attention immediately.

The Director General commended One Health Development Initiative (OHDI)for their support and other partners’ contributions to collectively eradicate rabies in Benue state and beyond.

Meanwhile, rabies is a deadly zoonotic disease with serious implications for both human and animal health, while the World Health Organisation (WHO), said over 55,000 people lose their lives to rabies annually, with most cases resulting from dog bites.

FOOTNOTE: You want to share story with us? You want to advertise with us? You need publicity for product, or service, or   event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348073463653 or email penpushing@yahoo.com