Pet owners across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been placed on high alert after health authorities confirmed eight rabies cases and two deaths linked to the deadly viral disease.
The development has raised concerns about public health, especially among families with dogs and cats. Officials have warned that once rabies symptoms appear in humans, survival is extremely rare. Therefore, residents have been urged to vaccinate their pets immediately and seek urgent medical care after any animal bite.
The fatalities were recorded in Gwagwalada and Kwali Area Councils after victims were reportedly bitten by infected dogs. Meanwhile, veterinary officials have assured residents that plans are already underway for a wider vaccination campaign across the FCT to prevent additional infections.
Speaking on the development, the Director of Veterinary Services at the FCTA Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Karnak Dandam, disclosed that five of the confirmed cases were recorded in Gwagwalada, while three occurred in Kwali.
He explained that the virus attacks the central nervous system and is commonly spread through bites from infected dogs or cats. Moreover, he warned that immediate action after exposure remains the best chance of preventing the disease.
“The immediate remedy after a bite is to wash the affected area with soap and plenty of water as first aid, and immediately present the victim to medical personnel for treatment,” Mr. Dandam advised.
According to him, laboratory tests carried out at the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) in Vom, Plateau State, confirmed the infections after samples collected in March and June returned positive results.
“There are eight confirmed cases from samples taken for testing at the National Reference Laboratory, NVRI, and they came out positive,” he said.
“The first samples we took to Vom this year were in March, and the results were returned that same month. The second sample was collected in early June, and the results arrived on 15 June.”
Furthermore, the veterinary director explained that vaccination exercises were conducted across the FCT in December 2025 and January 2026. However, available vaccine supplies were not enough to cover every community.
As a result, authorities have intensified public
awareness campaigns.
“The secretariat is also sensitising residents across the six area councils to take their dogs and cats to designated public and private veterinary clinics for rabies vaccination and certification. Everyone must restrict their dogs and cats so they do not roam the streets and become exposed to rabid animals,” Mr. Dandam stated.
Meanwhile, the FCTA has begun making arrangements for a territory-wide vaccination exercise.
“Wherever there is a dog or a cat, we will visit, vaccinate, and provide the owners with a certificate of vaccination and a licence. That is our plan,” he added.
The confirmed rabies cases serve as an important reminder that pet vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of the deadly disease.
