An estimate of 1,000 to 2,000 Nigerians die annually from rabies with tens of thousands more dog-bite exposures recorded while children under 15 are disproportionately affected, a leading private practicing veterinarian, Dr. Bala Muhammed has revealed.
This figure, according to Muhammed , a Fellowship, College of Veterinary Surgeons Nigeria, FCVSN, is out of an estimated 59,000 people who die each year across the world out of which Africa accounts for roughly 21,000 deaths.
In an address to commemorate the World Rabies Day on Sunday, September 28, 2025 with the theme: “Act Now: You, Me, Community”, he said 99% of human cases are dog-mediated.
He, therefore, stated that “this year’s theme urges collective responsibility across Nigeria, where rabies remains endemic.”
“Because more than 99% of human rabies infections are dog-mediated, hunting and free-roaming community dogs that contact wildlife act as bridges, bringing rabies into domestic animals and people. Targeted vaccination of hunting and community dogs is therefore essential. Interrupting transmission requires vaccinating roughly 70% of the dog population; persistent gaps in coverage sustain outbreaks.
“Responsible pet ownership, including registration, confinement, and annual vaccination will protects families and livestock. Timely wound washing and rapid referral for post‑exposure prophylaxis (PEP) save lives, but PEP can be costly and logistically out of reach. That reality underscores prevention: vaccinate dogs to prevent human suffering and reduce expensive PEP needs.
“Our communities of practice, the health workers and veterinary services must coordinate surveillance, Integrated Bite Case Management (IBCM) and education so every bite is treated seriously,” he stressed.
Muhammed further called for the expansion of government support, fund community vaccination drives, sustain surveillance financing, and integrate human and animal health efforts across states and local governments now to close critical gaps toward elimination.
“This commemoration calls on dog owners to vaccinate and contain animals; on health and veterinary services to coordinate IBCM and PEP access; on policymakers to fund mass vaccination and surveillance; and on communities to lead education, reporting and local mobilization so every neighborhood knows the hazards of unvaccinated dogs,” he added.
The veterinarian also advocated for resource mobilization by government, non-governmental organizations, NGOs, community leaders, and donors to fund free mass vaccination, mobile clinics, subsidies; train local vaccinators, map dog populations, run school and neighborhood education, enforce registration, ensure accessible PEP, protect children, and to end rabies urgently.
