One Health approach to the diagnosis and management of feline rabies: A case report from Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Rabies, a disease with an almost 100% fatality rate, continues to be endemic and neglected in Nigeria. This case report presents the rare confirmation of feline rabies in July 2022 in Ebonyi State, South Eastern Nigeria. Direct Fluorescent Antibody Test and Reverse-Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction confirmed that the cat was infected with rabies a few weeks after it was obtained by the owner. The two cat-scratched victims (owner and another in-contact person) opted for unorthodox management with a local traditional healer without seeking conventional medical care. Further outbreak investigations into the incidents involved multiple observational visits and interviews with key informants revealed the existence of risk factors that could have facilitated the transmission of the disease. A one-health approach, which considers the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, is favourable to achieve sustainable rabies control and was used in outbreak response. Implementing active rabies surveillance, raising awareness about dog and cat vaccination, and discouraging unorthodox management is essential to control rabies within the community. Additionally, improving access to post-exposure prophylaxis is crucial in preventing rabies-related fatalities and achieving zero human rabies deaths by 2030. © The Authors 2024