Unvaccinated stray dogs pose silent rabies threat – expert warns
Dr Sati Ngulukun, the Director of Research, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau, has raised concern over the growing risk posed by unvaccinated stray dogs roaming freely in Nigerian communities, warning that the trend could fuel the spread of rabies and other zoonotic diseases.
Ngulukun, who is also a veterinary expert, told News reporters, on Sunday in Abuja, that the presence of unvaccinated dogs in public spaces remained a major public health risk requiring urgent attention.
He noted that dogs were responsible for the vast majority of human rabies cases, stressing that the disease, though preventable, remained almost always fatal once clinical symptoms appeared.
He explained that stray dogs, particularly those without vaccination or proper care, could serve as reservoirs for the rabies virus, transmitting it to humans through bites, scratches, or contact with infected saliva.
“The continuous presence of unvaccinated stray dogs within communities creates a silent but dangerous pathway for rabies transmission.
“This is a preventable tragedy if appropriate measures are taken,” he said.
The expert warned that children were especially vulnerable due to their frequent interaction with animals, often unaware of the risks associated with dog bites.
According to him, the increasing number of free-roaming dogs also heightens the likelihood of dog attacks, as such animals may become aggressive in search of food or when threatened.
He said that poor control of stray dog populations undermined national and global efforts aimed at eliminating rabies.
He called for coordinated action involving veterinary authorities, public health institutions, and community stakeholders to address the challenge.
On preventive measures, he called on pet owners to adopt responsible animal husbandry practices, including routine vaccination of dogs against rabies.
He also urged households to ensure proper confinement of pets within fenced premises or controlled environments to prevent them from roaming freely.
“Keeping dogs within secure environments and ensuring they receive regular veterinary care are critical steps in protecting both animal and human health,” he said.
The researcher highlighted the importance of proper identification and monitoring of domestic animals, noting that this would aid disease surveillance and response in the event of outbreaks.
He further cautioned against the abandonment of pets, describing it as a key driver of the growing stray dog population in many communities.
He advised members of the public to promptly report cases of dog bites or unusual animal behaviour, such as aggression or excessive salivation, to veterinary or health authorities.
He reiterated that tackling rabies required a ”One Health” approach, integrating efforts across human, animal, and environmental health sectors.
The expert called for increased awareness campaigns, mass dog vaccination programmes, and stronger enforcement of animal control regulations to safeguard communities.
“Rabies is entirely preventable, and no one should die from it. With collective responsibility and sustained action, we can eliminate the threat,” he said.
Newsmen report that Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the brain and nervous system of humans and animals.
It is mainly spread through the bite or saliva of infected animals, especially dogs.
Once symptoms appear, such as fever, aggression, confusion, or difficulty swallowing, the disease is almost always fatal.
However, rabies is preventable through dog vaccination, avoiding stray animal bites, and immediate medical treatment after exposure