FCTA reports 2 deaths from rabies, 8 confirmed cases

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has confirmed eight cases of rabies and two related deaths in the area. Residents are encouraged to vaccinate their dogs and cats. They should also report any animal bites without delay.

Karnak Dandam, the Director of Veterinary Services at the FCTA Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, shared this information in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

Mr Dandam said the two deaths happened in Gwagwalada and Kwali Area Councils after rabid dogs bit the victims. Out of the eight confirmed cases, five were in Gwagwalada Area Council and three in Kwali Area Council.

He described rabies as a deadly viral disease that affects the central nervous system. It is usually spread through bites from an infected dog or cat. He warned that the disease is almost always fatal once symptoms show. He stressed the need for quick medical help after a bite.

“The immediate remedy after a bite is to wash the affected area with soap and plenty of water as first aid. Then, present the victim to medical personnel for treatment,” Mr Dandam advised.

Mr Dandam explained that the confirmed cases were found from samples taken in March and June. These samples were tested at the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) in Vom, Plateau State.

“There are eight confirmed cases from samples sent to the National Reference Laboratory, NVRI, and they tested positive,” he said. “The first samples we sent to Vom this year were in March. We got the results back that same month. The second sample was collected in early June, and the results came on 15 June.”

The secretariat ran vaccination campaigns for dogs and cats across the FCT in December 2025 and January 2026. However, Mr Dandam noted that there were not enough vaccines to cover the entire territory.

To reduce the risk of more cases, the secretariat has stepped up its awareness campaigns. They advise residents to keep their pets from straying.

“The secretariat is also educating residents across the six area councils. They should take their dogs and cats to public and private veterinary clinics for rabies vaccination and certification. Everyone must keep their dogs and cats from roaming the streets and becoming exposed to rabid animals,” he said.

Mr Dandam added that the FCT Administration is working to get more vaccine doses. They will soon begin a mass vaccination drive across all towns and villages in the six area councils.

“Wherever there is a dog or a cat, we will visit, vaccinate, and give the owners a certificate of vaccination and a license. That is our plan,” he said.

The director also urged residents to watch their pets for sudden changes in behavior. Pets that become withdrawn or unusually aggressive may be infected. He warned that infected animals often wander around with their jaws hanging open. This symptom usually leads to paralysis and death within 10 days of the first signs.