Fight Against Lassa Fever Causing Unintended Deaths of Domestic Animals in Nigeria

By ibrahima yakubu

Across Nigeria, thousands of domestic animals are dying silently—not from disease, but from indiscriminate disposal of rat poison. While Lassa fever remains a serious health threat, the methods used to fight it are unintentionally harming the very animals that support livelihoods in our communities.

A recent study by the African Institute of Waste Management and Environmental Studies (AIWMES) has revealed the alarming rate at which domestic animals—such as cats, dogs, chickens, pigs, and other local birds—are being poisoned. Many of these animals ingest toxic substances from open gutters, trash dumps, or directly from eating poisoned rats. These deaths often go unnoticed and unreported.

In AIWMES ‘s quarterly environmental report, Dr. Ahmed Abdullateef Tayo, the institute’s registrar, explained that the research was conducted in collaboration with scientists, environmental experts, veterinary doctors, and community stakeholders. The findings show a strong connection between poor waste disposal practices and the loss of domestic animals.

“The improper use and disposal of rat poison in homes, streets, markets, and public areas is causing unnecessary suffering and death among domestic animals,” Dr. Tayo said. “This poses not only an animal welfare issue but also a threat to food security and public health.”

In Nigeria, animals like poultry, goats, and sheep are vital for daily survival, serving as sources of food and income. When these animals die due to poisoning, families suffer financial losses and communities face increased food insecurity.

The Chain Reaction of Poisoning
Rat poisons—particularly anticoagulants and neurotoxins—don’t just kill rodents. They affect any animal that consumes the bait directly or eats a poisoned rodent. This includes pets, livestock, and even wildlife. Environmental contamination is also a growing concern, as these poisons seep into soil and water systems, affecting entire ecosystems.

“We are not just killing rats. We are killing the predators that naturally control rodent populations—such as birds of prey—by poisoning their food source,” Dr. Tayo noted. “This disrupts ecological balance and could lead to rodent overpopulation in the long run.”

Voices from the Community
In Kaduna, a local poultry seller, Mallam Ali Mutum, expressed concern over the widespread carelessness in poison disposal.

“People throw rat poison anywhere. Birds and other animals feed from gutters and trash, and they die quietly. No one seems to care,” he said.

Veterinarian Dr. James Moses added that many domestic animals roam freely during the day, searching for food in public spaces. As a result, they are often exposed to toxic substances, leading to a slow and painful death.

“Our animals rely on what they find in the streets, gutters, and trash heaps. Many of them unknowingly ingest poison. We must take action now to prevent further loss.”

Consequences Beyond Animals
This problem doesn’t stop with animal deaths. It can lead to conflict within communities, especially when neighbors’ animals are poisoned. There’s also a risk of intentional misuse, where poisons are deliberately used to harm pets or livestock.

What Can Be Done? Dr. Tayo’s Recommendations:
Public Education:

Educate communities about safe and responsible rodent control methods.

Raise awareness about the dangers of improper poison use.

Safer Alternatives:

Use mechanical traps (snap traps, live-capture traps, electronic traps).

Avoid placing traps or poisons where children or animals can reach them.

Environmental Sanitation:

Regularly clean homes, kitchens, gutters, and surroundings.

Organize community clean-ups to eliminate rodent habitats.

Disease Surveillance:

Report and record cases of Lassa fever and animal poisoning promptly.

Train health workers and local leaders in disease prevention and environmental safety.

Community Collaboration:

Work with veterinary services, environmental agencies, and NGOs to develop and implement better pest control strategies.

he ended by saying ,As we continue the fight against Lassa fever, it’s critical to balance public health efforts with environmental responsibility. The careless disposal of rat poison is not just an act of negligence—it’s a silent killer of animals that play a crucial role in our food systems, communities, and ecosystems.
Let’s protect our environment, our animals, and our people—by acting smarter, not harshe