FCTA confirms 2 deaths from rabies, 8 cases

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has confirmed eight cases of rabies and two associated deaths in the territory, according to officials. The Director of Veterinary Services at the FCTA Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Karnak Dandam, revealed the information during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja. The two fatalities occurred in Gwagwalada and Kwali Area Councils after individuals were bitten by rabid dogs. Five of the confirmed cases were recorded in Gwagwalada, while three were found in Kwali. Rabies is a deadly viral infection that affects the central nervous system and is primarily spread through the bite of an infected animal, usually a dog or cat. Once symptoms develop, the disease is nearly always fatal. Dandam emphasized the need for prompt action following an animal bite, recommending that the affected area be washed thoroughly with soap and water before seeking medical assistance. The confirmed rabies cases were identified through samples collected in March and June and tested at the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) in Vom, Plateau State. According to Dandam, the initial batch of samples submitted in March yielded positive results that same month. A subsequent set of samples collected in early June produced test results on 15 June. In response to the outbreak, the FCTA conducted vaccination drives for dogs and cats throughout the territory in December 2025 and January 2026. However, Dandam acknowledged that vaccine supply levels were inadequate to fully cover the population. To address this challenge, the administration has ramped up its public awareness efforts, encouraging residents to keep their pets confined to reduce the likelihood of encounters with rabid animals. Residents have been advised to bring their dogs and cats to designated veterinary clinics for rabies vaccinations and to obtain certificates proving their pets' immunization status. The FCTA plans to initiate a broader vaccination campaign across all towns and villages in the six area councils comprising the territory. This initiative aims to ensure that every household with a pet receives necessary vaccinations and documentation. Dandam highlighted the importance of monitoring pets for unusual behavior, including withdrawal or aggression, which can indicate rabies infection. Infected animals often exhibit symptoms such as drooling excessively and eventually progress to paralysis and death within ten days of showing clinical signs. The FCTA continues to work on securing more vaccine supplies to support ongoing prevention efforts. Officials stress the significance of community involvement in controlling the spread of rabies, emphasizing that collective action is crucial in protecting both human and animal populations from this deadly disease.