RABIES OUTBREAK IN A NOMADIC COMMUNITY IN RINGIMAWA VILLAGE, KANO STATE, NIGERIA: A CASE REPORT

Authors

  • Shaarani Musa Habibu
    Gwale Veterinary Reference Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources Kano State
  • Ado Hassan Bakari
    Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Bayero University Kano
  • Auwal Usman Nagoma
    Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Bayero University Kano
  • Aminu Bello Hanga
    Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources Kano State
  • Aishatu Ibrahim Aminu
    Bayero University Kano image/svg+xml
  • Idris Kyauta Ibrahim
    Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources Kano State
  • Aliyu Garba
    Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources Kano State
  • Z. B. Dambazau
    Department of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Kano State

Keywords:

Rabies, Outbreak, Cattle, Dog

Abstract

Rabies remains a significant public health concern in Nigeria, particularly among rural and nomadic populations with limited access to veterinary and healthcare services. This case study investigates a rabies outbreak that occurred in Ringimawa, a nomadic community in Garun Malam Local Government Area of Kano State. The outbreak was triggered by the bite of a rabid dog, which led to multiple exposures among animals. A total of 4 cattle and Five dogs were involved in the outbreak with 75% and 100% fatality in each dog and cattle species respectively. Brain tissues and saliva samples from the cows tested positive using chromatographic lateral flow assay (Shenzen Lvshiyuaun Biotecnology) and further confirmed positive by Florescent antibody assay by a reference Laboratory. In response, a rapid multi-sectoral team was mobilized to conduct emergency vaccination of dogs, community sensitization, and contact tracing. The outbreak underscores the urgent need for a One Health approach to rabies control, emphasizing improved access to veterinary and public health interventions, especially in underserved nomadic communities. Strengthening community-based surveillance, promoting responsible dog ownership, and integrating nomads into national rabies elimination programs are essential to achieving the global target of zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.

Author Biographies

Ado Hassan Bakari

Sub Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Bayero University Kano 

Auwal Usman Nagoma

Chief laboratory scientists Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Bayero University Kano 

Aminu Bello Hanga

Gwale Veterinary Reference Laboratory 

Aishatu Ibrahim Aminu

Department of Microbiology Faculty of life sciences Bayero University Kano 

Idris Kyauta Ibrahim

Director one Health Kano State Centre for Disease Control 

Aliyu Garba

Department of Veterinary Services Kano State 

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Published

05-09-2025

How to Cite

RABIES OUTBREAK IN A NOMADIC COMMUNITY IN RINGIMAWA VILLAGE, KANO STATE, NIGERIA: A CASE REPORT. (2025). FUDMA JOURNAL OF SCIENCES, 9(9), 94-99. https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2025-0909-3745

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 9 (2025): FUDMA Journal of Sciences - Vol. 9 No. 9

Section

Review Articles
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How to Cite

RABIES OUTBREAK IN A NOMADIC COMMUNITY IN RINGIMAWA VILLAGE, KANO STATE, NIGERIA: A CASE REPORT. (2025). FUDMA JOURNAL OF SCIENCES, 9(9), 94-99. https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2025-0909-3745