Rabies in 5 Months Old German Shepherd

Aim: The study was carried out to confirm a suspected case of rabies in Ubakala area of Abia State and to highlight the public health consequences.
Place and Duration of Study: Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike and National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) Vom.
Methodology: A 5-month-old-German shepherd drooling saliva was presented in a state of shock, lateral recumbency, with no vaccination history, severe dehydration and anorexia. The history also revealed that the dog was bitten by a stray dog two weeks ago and had been unable to chew or masticate few days before presentation. On the process of clinical examination, the dog died on the examination table. At necropsy the brain was extracted, stored in 50% glycerol and sent to National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom for confirmatory diagnosis.
Results: Rabies was confirmed using direct rapid Immunohistochemical (IHC) test by detecting rabies antigen on the brain sample.
Conclusion: A confirmed case of canine rabies in Ubakala area of Abia State.