Across the vast expanse of Nigeria, a silent tragedy unfolds—the unintended deaths of thousands of domestic animals. While the fight against Lassa fever rages on as a critical health concern, there is a hidden cost being paid by the very creatures that form the backbone of our communities.
As reported by “https://africanclimatereporter.com/2025/05/28/fight-against-lassa-fever-causing-unintended-deaths-of-domestic-animals-in-nigeria/”
>African Climate Reporter, a recent study conducted by the African Institute of Waste Management and Environmental Studies (AIWMES) sheds light on a distressing reality. The indiscriminate disposal of rat poison, meant to combat disease-carrying rodents, is inadvertently leading to the demise of essential domestic animals like cats, dogs, chickens, pigs, and various local bird species.
“The improper use and disposal of rat poison in homes, streets, markets, and public areas is causing unnecessary suffering and death among domestic animals,”
said Dr. Ahmed Abdullateef Tayo.
“
Dr. Tayo further emphasized that these fatalities are not just an animal welfare concern but also pose a significant threat to food security and public health—a ripple effect that extends far beyond individual households.
## Unveiling Disturbing Findings
The AIWMES study uncovered a disturbing correlation between inadequate waste management practices and the loss of precious domestic animals. From open gutters to trash dumps or directly through consuming poisoned rats, these unsuspecting creatures meet their untimely end due to toxic exposure.
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People throw rat poison anywhere. Birds and other animals feed from gutters and trash, and they die quietly. No one seems to care,
” lamented local poultry seller Mallam Ali Mutum.”
Veterinarian Dr. James Moses echoed these sentiments by highlighting how freely roaming domestic animals become unwitting victims as they scavenge for sustenance in contaminated public spaces.
## The Chain Reaction Effect
The repercussions extend far beyond individual animal deaths; they set off a chain reaction with profound consequences for ecosystems. Rat poisons not only eliminate rodents but also harm any creature that ingests them directly or indirectly through contaminated prey—an ecological imbalance with far-reaching implications.
“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 warned.
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This disruption jeopardizes natural checks-and-balances within ecosystems while potentially leading to unchecked rodent proliferation in the long run—a scenario fraught with its own set of challenges.
## Collaborative Calls for Action
Amidst these dire circumstances emerges a unanimous call for immediate action from community members like Mallam Ali Mutum and professionals like Dr. James Moses alike.
As reported by African Climate Reporter:
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Dr. Tayo stressed vital initiatives including education on responsible rodent control methods, implementing safer alternatives like mechanical traps…
“
However,
he contended that it was equally crucial to address this issue collectively.
Furthermore,
This article was adapted from www.africanclimatereporter.com.
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