At least 18 residents have been bitten by a dog suspected to be infected with rabies in Garko Local Government Area of Kano State.
The Nigerian Forest Security Service, Garko Division, has consequently launched a search for the suspected rabid dog and two other dogs believed to have been exposed to the infection.
The incident was reported after the dog attacked 11 people in Garko town before moving into neighbouring communities, where seven others were reportedly bitten.
The affected communities include Raba, Kadage, Gurjiya and Dausai.
The Kano State Command of the NFSS disclosed the development in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, CSF Usman Abdullahi Umar.
The service said the three dogs were considered a potential threat to residents and other animals because of the suspected risk of rabies transmission.
Following the attacks, the Divisional Forest Officer, Auwalu Muhammad, led officers into the affected communities to locate and neutralise the suspected infected animals.
The NFSS said the operation was aimed at preventing further attacks and containing any potential spread of rabies in the affected communities.
A forest security officer, who spoke to DAILY POST by telephone, said the suspected rabid dog had also attacked other dogs in the area, although the exact number was yet to be established.
“The mad dog has bitten other dogs here, we are not certain how many yet. After the mad dog was out of town, another one started to run mad as well,” the officer said.
The service urged residents of Garko and neighbouring communities to exercise caution and promptly report stray dogs or animals displaying unusual or aggressive behaviour to the nearest NFSS office or security agency.
Residents who have been bitten by dogs or exposed to animals suspected of carrying rabies were also advised to seek immediate medical attention.
The NFSS said its personnel would continue the search across the affected communities until the threat posed by the animals was brought under control.
