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.