The Enugu State Government has confirmed an outbreak of dog rabies in the Igbo Etiti Local Government Area, warning residents of the near-total fatality rate associated with the viral disease.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Patrick Ubru, disclosed the development in an emergency public notice on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
The state has placed all veterinary services on high alert.
Rabies is a severe viral infection that attacks the central nervous system of mammals.
Meanwhile, the government clarified that the disease primarily spreads through the saliva of infected animals, most commonly via deep bites or scratches.
Mandatory Vaccinations And Movement Restrictions Ordered
The ministry has rolled out a series of containment measures to prevent the virus from spreading to neighboring communities.
Furthermore, pet owners now have a new directive regarding animal control.
“All dog owners and pet keepers are urged to vaccinate their animals against rabies without delay,” the official statement read.
The government has directed all residents to confine their animals to private property. This measure seeks to stop pets from roaming freely in public spaces where they might encounter infected strays.
“Pet owners have been directed to confine their animals and prevent them from roaming freely in public spaces,” the Commissioner alleged.
Horizontal information indicates that under the Enugu State Animal Health and Husbandry laws, pet owners are legally responsible for maintaining up-to-date vaccination records.
Failure to do so during an active outbreak can lead to strict penalties.
Emergency Medical Protocols For Bite Victims
The Agriculture Ministry provided a specific medical protocol for any individual who encounters a suspected rabid animal.
Speed is essential because the disease is almost always fatal once symptoms like hydrophobia or aggression manifest.
“Anyone bitten or scratched by an animal should immediately wash the wound thoroughly with mild soap under running water for at least 10 minutes,” the directive stated.
Furthermore, victims must seek urgent medical care at the nearest health facility to receive post-exposure prophylaxis.
Meanwhile, the state is monitoring animals showing signs of paralysis or excessive salivation.
“Members of the public are cautioned to avoid contact with stray or unfamiliar animals within the local government area,” the ministry warned.
Ubru assured the public that the Veterinary Services Department is actively working with health stakeholders to contain the situation.
Community leaders have also been tasked with sensitizing residents to ensure no human lives are lost.
The administration believes that awareness is the most critical tool in preventing casualties.
The government says any sightings of animals behaving abnormally should be reported immediately to the State Veterinary Services Department in Enugu.
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