First confirmation of rabies in Zamfara State, Nigeria-in a sheep.
The first case of rabies virus (RABV) infection was identified in Zamfara State Nigeria, in August 2015. A sheep was exposed to RABV consequence of a mad-dog bite. Barely a month after the bite wound had healed-off the sheep owner filed a complaint to Gusau veterinary clinic of observed neurological signs and in-appetence on the animal. Signs suspicious of rabies such as unilateral corneal opacity of the right eye, muscular tremors, hydrophobia and salivation were further observed on clinical examination. Variable-shaped viral antigens were detected from the brain tissues by fluorescent antibody test (FAT), and the presumptive diagnosis of RABV infection was confirmed by a positive FAT result. This report describes ruminant (sheep) rabies, its mode of transmission and subsequent public health implications. Control and prevention of this deadly disease in domestic dogs and livestock need to be stepped up.
Directorate of Animal Health and Livestock Development, Old Cabinet Office, Canteen Area, Gusau, Zamfara, Nigeria. ibrahimahmaad22@gmail.com.
Ibrahim
I
Ahmad
Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna, Nigeria.
Caleb Ayuba
CA
Kudi
Directorate of Animal Health and Livestock Development, Old Cabinet Office, Canteen Area, Gusau, Zamfara, Nigeria.
Muktar Salihu
MS
Anka
Rabies Diagnostic Laboratory, National Veterinary Research Institute Vom, Jos, Nigeria.
Ishaya S
IS
Tekki
Nigeria; Rabies; Sheep; Zamfara State