A veterinarian at Animal Care Services Konsult, Kaduna, Dr Agboola Lawal, has urged Nigerians to disregard misconceptions about rabies, stressing that the deadly disease is caused by a virus transmitted mainly through bites from infected animals. He explained that the virus is present in the saliva of infected animals and can enter the body through bite wounds or contact with open wounds and mucous membranes.
Lawal said rabies is not inherited and animals are not born with the disease. He explained that a healthy animal can only develop rabies after becoming infected, usually through a bite from another infected animal. Once inside the body, the virus travels through the nerves to the brain and can cause severe illness.
The veterinarian noted that several mammals, including cats, horses, cattle, goats, sheep, monkeys and foxes, can contract and transmit rabies. However, he said domestic dogs remain the leading source of human rabies transmission in Nigeria, making responsible pet ownership and routine vaccination particularly important.
Lawal urged anyone bitten by a suspected rabid animal to seek immediate medical attention, noting that prompt intervention can save lives. He also advised pet owners to ensure their animals receive annual anti-rabies vaccination as part of efforts to prevent the spread of the disease.
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