FCTA Launches Pet Vaccination Campaign After Rabies Deaths

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has ordered a pet vaccination campaign in response to confirmed rabies cases that have led to two deaths. Dr. Karnak Dandam, the Director of Veterinary Services at the FCTA, disclosed that eight laboratories confirmed rabies cases in the FCT this year, with five cases in Gwagwalada and three in Kwali.

The cases were recorded between March and June and confirmed by the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) in Plateau State. The FCTA plans to conduct an anti-rabies vaccination campaign across the FCT from December 2025 to January 2026, despite facing challenges with vaccine supply.

Residents are advised to report any dog bites immediately and seek medical attention, as rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms develop. The FCTA is also intensifying public awareness campaigns to encourage pet owners to vaccinate their animals to reduce the risk of exposure to infected animals.