KANO: 18 PEOPLE ATTACKED BY SUSPECTED RABIES-INFECTED DOG

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By: Muftau Fatimo

At least 18 people have been bitten by a dog suspected to be infected with rabies in Garko Local Government Area of Kano State.

The Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), Garko Division, has launched a search for the suspected rabid dog and two other dogs believed to have been infected.

According to the NFSS Kano Command, the incident was reported at its Garko office after the dog attacked 11 people in Garko town before moving to neighbouring communities, where seven others were bitten in Raba, Kadage, Gurjiya and Dausai.

In a statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, CSF Usman Abdullahi Umar, the service warned that the three dogs could pose a risk of spreading rabies to residents and other animals.

Officers led by the Divisional Forest Officer, Auwalu Muhammad, were deployed to the affected communities to locate and neutralise the suspected infected animals.

The NFSS said the operation was aimed at preventing further attacks and reducing the risk of rabies transmission in the affected areas.

Speaking to DAILY POST by phone, the officer said the suspected rabid dog had also bitten other dogs in the area, although the exact number was yet to be established.

“The mad dog has bitten other dogs here, we are not certain how many yet. After the mad dog was out of town, another one started to run mad as well,” he said.

The service urged residents of Garko and neighbouring communities to remain vigilant and report stray dogs or animals displaying possible signs of rabies to the nearest NFSS office or security agency.

Residents were also advised to seek immediate medical attention after being bitten by a dog or coming into contact with an animal suspected of carrying rabies.

The NFSS said its personnel would continue searching the affected communities until the threat is brought under control.