The Benue State Authorities has confirmed the outbreak of rabies virus in Kwande and Gboko LGAs of the state.
The Director-Normal of Benue Bureau of Livestock Growth and Transboundary Animal Ailments Management, Aondoakaa Asambe, disclosed this on Monday in Makurdi, the state capital.
Asambe stated the bureau was alerted to suspected rabies circumstances following reviews of a canine chew incident affecting a number of people in Adikpo, Kwande LGA, and in Gboko LGA.
In response to him, in complete, seven individuals had been bitten by the 2 canine, including that the federal government has commenced contact tracing to determine these concerned.
The DG stated investigations revealed that the contaminated canine in Adikpo was offered to distributors to course of for consumption.
“Fortunately, the canine’s head was retrieved and submitted to the Nationwide Veterinary Analysis Institute, NVRI in Vom, Plateau, the place laboratory outcomes confirmed the presence of the rabies virus.
“In response to the World Well being Organisation (WHO), over 55,000 folks lose their lives to rabies yearly, with most circumstances ensuing from canine bites.
“This outbreak serves as a sobering reminder of the necessity for pressing motion to fulfill the WHO’s 2030 goal to eradicate canine bite-transmitted rabies,” he stated
Asambe additional stated that the outcome additionally confirmed that the canine chew in Gboko was additionally a rabies case.
In response to the outbreak, he stated the Bureau, in collaboration with the One Well being Growth Initiative (OHDI) and different essential stakeholders, has taken steps to handle it.
The DG stated the interventions grew to become crucial following the essential position canine play in rural areas as companions, safety suppliers, and contributors to livelihoods (looking).
He stated the goal was not solely to handle the present outbreak but additionally to strengthen long-term preventive measures.
DAILY POST reviews that rabies is a lethal zoonotic illness with severe implications for each human and animal well being.
Benue Govt confirms rabies outbreak, seven contaminated
