Rabies, a zoonotic disease, affects the nervous systems of mammals and is almost always fatal once clinical signs appear. In humans, it is commonly transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, such as dogs or cats, or through exposure to the saliva or central nervous system tissues of affected animals. The disease remains prevalent in parts of Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America, with an estimated 55,000 deaths globally, many of which are children. Nigeria alone reports approximately 10,000 rabies cases annually. While advanced countries have largely eliminated rabies through rigorous control measures, the disease continues to thrive in regions with high populations of unvaccinated and stray animals.

Rabies manifests in two phases: urban rabies, primarily spread by dogs, and sylvatic rabies, often associated with bats in forested areas. In Africa, urban rabies is more predominant due to the large number of unvaccinated, stray dogs. To eradicate rabies, responsible dog ownership is critical, particularly ensuring the vaccination of dogs and controlling stray populations.

Rabies was first reported in humans in Nigeria in 1912, and in dogs in 1925. Despite this long history, the disease is underreported in the country due to challenges in the animal disease reporting system.

Symptoms and Treatment of Rabies

In humans, the incubation period for rabies can vary from days to years, with most cases appearing between one to three months after exposure. The time it takes for symptoms to appear depends on the proximity of the bite to the central nervous system. Initial symptoms include headaches, fever, pain, sensory changes, and anxiety, which can progress to confusion, hallucinations, paralysis, and death.

In dogs, symptoms include excessive salivation, fear of water, uncoordinated movements, aggression, and paralysis, with death typically occurring within 14 to 21 days after onset. Immediate first aid after a suspected rabies exposure involves thoroughly washing the wound with soap, ethanol, iodine, or other lipid-soluble solutions before seeking medical attention for rabies post-exposure treatment.

Rabies: A Vaccine-Preventable Disease

Fortunately, rabies is vaccine-preventable, thanks to the rabies vaccine discovered by Louis Pasteur in 1885. Dogs and cats should be vaccinated annually to prevent the spread of the disease. Globally, mass vaccination of pets is a standard policy, but in Nigeria, vaccination campaigns are inconsistent, and stray dogs roam freely, serving as vectors for urban rabies.

To meet the global goal of eliminating rabies by 2030, as part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3), Nigeria must adopt a One Health Approach. This approach calls for the participation of governments, NGOs, communities, and private individuals, working together to address the problem. One Health promotes collaboration between human, animal, and environmental health sectors, ensuring a holistic response to zoonotic diseases like rabies.

Challenges and the Path Forward

Despite Nigeria’s support for the One Health Approach, more needs to be done to implement it effectively. One possible solution is incorporating rabies vaccines for dogs into the National Immunization Program to ensure wider coverage, particularly in rural areas where rabies is prevalent. Rural communities often lack access to veterinary services, and most private veterinary clinics are located in urban centers, where clients can afford the costs.

To eliminate dog rabies, at least 70% of Nigeria’s dog population must be vaccinated consistently over several years. Governments at all levels must ensure the availability of free rabies vaccines for dogs, and surveillance should be conducted to monitor rabies spillover from wild animals. Hunters and those involved in bushmeat processing should also be educated on the importance of vaccinating their dogs and following safe practices.

Additionally, laws promoting responsible dog ownership and compulsory vaccination must be enforced or amended to reflect current realities. Public animal shelters, funded by the government, and private animal homes could help reduce the population of stray dogs, further controlling the spread of rabies.

The Role of Animal Welfare

The vaccination and care of dogs fall under the broader responsibility of animal owners, as outlined by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). This obligation emphasizes the importance of preventing injury and disease in animals, underscoring the need for regular vaccinations and responsible ownership.

Conclusion

Rabies can be eradicated in Nigeria and worldwide through a collective effort involving individuals, communities, governments, and non-governmental organizations. By adopting the One Health Approach and enforcing responsible dog ownership, rabies could become a thing of the past. It is crucial for all stakeholders to collaborate in the fight against rabies, working together to ensure a safer and healthier future for both humans and animals.