Confirmation of Rabies in a Stray Dog in Umuahia, Nigeria – A Case Report.

Abstract

Abstract Rabies is an important zoonotic disease and the increased numbers of stray dogs constitute a constraint on the prevention of human cases in Nigeria. This report reaffirms that rabies is endemic in Nigeria and stray dogs constitute a risk to humans. A stray Nigeria indigenous dog was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike Nigeria with clinical manifestations of salivation, delirium, maniac and attack displays. It was quarantined for a period of 14 days, clinical manifestations persisted and a presumptive diagnosis of end stage furious form of rabies was made. The dog was then humanely euthanized, brain sample was collected and taken to the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, Nigeria for rabies virus detection using direct fluorescent antibody test (DFAT). Result revealed that brain sample was positive for canine rabies depicted by apple green fuorescence. In conclusion, the stray dog was confirmed to be positive for rabies. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of confirmed rabies case in a stray dog in Umuahia, Nigeria. Hence, there should be intense public awareness on the danger of rabies since the disease remains a public health concern in Nigeria.