The Enugu State Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization, has confirmed an outbreak of dog rabies in Igbo Etiti Local Government Area.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Dr. Patrick Ubru, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Enugu.

According to Ubru, the government is notifying the general public of the confirmed outbreak and urging residents to take immediate precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.

He explained that rabies was a highly fatal viral disease that affect both animals and humans and primarily transmitted through the bite or saliva of infected animals, particularly dogs.

Ubru warned that once clinical symptoms appear, the disease was always fatal.

The commissioner outlined several containment measures to include immediate vaccination, restraining of animals, avoiding contact with strays and reporting of cases.

“Dog owners are strongly advised to vaccinate their pets without delay and confine their animals and prevent them from roaming freely.

“Residents are urged to avoid contact with stray or unfamiliar animals while animals showing symptoms such as aggression, excessive salivation, abnormal behavior, or paralysis should be reported immediately to veterinary authorities.

“Anyone bitten or scratched by an animal should wash the wound thoroughly with soap under running water for at least 10 minutes and seek urgent medical attention,” Ubru said.

He, however, called on community leaders to educate residents on rabies prevention and risks.

Ubru added that the ministry was working closely with relevant authorities to contain the outbreak and safeguard public health.

He advised residents to contact the State Veterinary Services Department for further information or to report suspected cases.