Journal of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
(ISSN: 2659 – 0743)
Volume 7, No. 1, 2025
Pages 229-236
DOI: 10.36108/jvbs/5202.70.0132
First Report of Rabies in a Lioness and the Implication on Public health in Jos Zoological Garden, Plateau State, Nigeria
1Rimfa, A.G*.,1Tekki, A., 2Bamaiyi, P.H, 1Ogbe, D., 1Barde, I., 1Hambolu, E., 1Konzing, L., 1Mada, A., 1Zhakom, P., Tobias, C., 1Gyang M., 1Logyang, L., 1Maurice, N., 2Mary, O., Gumbias, A., 1Ngulukun, S.S., 1Luka, P.D., 1Meseko, C.A., 1Adedeji, J.A., 1Atuman, Y.J., 3Kudi, A.C., 1James, A. and 1Mohammad, M..
1National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Jos Zoological Garden, Plateau State, Nigeria.
2Jos Zoological Garden, Plateau State, Nigeria
3Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
ABSTRACT
Lions (Panthera leo) are endangered animal species and survive well in the tropics. In captivity, they are susceptible to a lot of diseases including but not limited to rabies encephalitis. Rabies has been observed in free and captive carnivores more than any other mammalian species. We report confirmation of rabies as the cause of death of a 15-year lioness in Jos Zoo, Plateau state. Prior to the death of the lioness, the male lion had died a month earlier but rabies screening was not considered. Before death, both lions were weak, emaciated with complete loss of appetite, inability to drink water, severe dehydration, pale oral and ocular mucosa, and unsteady gait were observed. The lioness carcass was submitted to National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom to investigate the cause of death and was confirmed rabies-positive by the Direct Fluorescent Antibody Test (DFAT). The lioness was born in the zoo therefore, possible sources of infection were considered to be rabid bats and rodents which probably had access to the lion’s cage or infected animal carcasses fed to them. The loss of two lions in the tourist facility within the space of one month needs investigation to forestall future occurrence. Detail molecular study to characterize the virus and to also screen carcasses meant for their feeding are needed to mitigate the menace of diseases in the facility. The need for increased public awareness on the potential spread or outbreak of rabies among susceptible animals within and around the zoo is critical. The education of tourists to the zoo is essential to highlight measures to avoid animal bites from the captive wildlife through information signage. Routine vaccination of lion cubs and pre-exposure prophylaxis for zoo personnel is recommended. Wildlife escapes have been reported in both Wildlife Park and Jos zoo.
Keywords: Rabies, Panthera leo, Jos Zoo, DFAT, endangered species.