A Case of Rabies in One Month Old Kittens in South East Nigeria

Philip Paul Mshelbwala

doi:10.4172/2157-7579.1000165

Abstract

This report describes a case of rabies in one month old kittens. At physical examination, the kittens were abnormally aggressive and restless with bilateral ocular discharge. Rapid Immuno chromatographic and Fluorescent Antibody Tests on the harvested brains were positive for rabies. Though report of rabies in cats especially kitten is rare, we advise that continuous reporting by researchers can give a better prevalence statistics of these occurrences due to its great public health significance. We also recommend annual anti- rabies vaccination campaign and destruction of stray cats.

Highlights

Contagious and highly fatal disease of all warm blooded animals caused by rabies virus Ogunkoya et al [1]
Rabies was first documented in Nigeria in humans in 1912 and in dogs in 1925 Boulger and Hardy [3], and since many authors Umoh and Belino [4], Ezeokoli and Umoh [5], Harry et al [6] and Okoh [7] have established that the disease is endemic in the country
Following natural death of the kitten, the head was cut off with a sharp axe and brain carefully dissected out for rapid immuno chromatographic test. 10% (w/v) brain homogenate was prepared in culture medium, collected with a swab, and dipped in the buffer supplied in the kit

Summary

Introduction

Contagious and highly fatal disease of all warm blooded animals caused by rabies virus Ogunkoya et al [1]. Hambolu et al [10] reported low vaccination compliance in south-Western Nigeria. He was of the opinion that dog owners do not consider the threat pose by unvaccinated dogs. Cats have the habit to stray and are less vaccinated against rabies than dogs increasing their chances of contracting the disease [12]. We report the occurrence of rabies in one month old kittens resulting from neglected attitude towards annual vaccination and consequent exposure. A young kitten (one month old) was found to be ill and was subsequently brought to Animal World Veterinary, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria for treatment and subsequent adoption by any interested client. A report was sent to the Director, Veterinary Services for appropriate action

Materials and Method

Discussion