A rabid wolf that savaged a mum-of-six’s face has been tracked down and killed in a horrific bloodbath that left four people injured.
Farmer Destegul Ugurlu, 52, was on her way to feed her livestock when the wolf pounced on her at the family home in the neighbourhood of Kirecli, in Tortum district in the city of Erzurum, Erzurum Province, northeastern Turkey.
Neighbours came running after hearing her frantic screams for help as the wolf ripped at her jaw leaving her with serious facial injuries, according to local media.
The wolf’s bite was so powerful, say medics treating her, that her jaw may need reconstructive surgery.
Three others were also bitten in the gruesome battle to free Destegul on 10th April.
The wolf was finally chased off by dogs and shot dead after it fled to a nearby cave.
Medical tests at the Erzurum Veterinary Research Institute later revealed that the wolf had been infected with rabies.
One neighbour Serdar Aydinli – who was bitten in the leg by the wolf – was treated in hospital and is now recovering at home.
Another neighbour, Ilhami Akbulut, told local media: “At 9.30 in the morning, chickens and crows started to scream. I went there, assuming the appearance of a fox.
“The wolf jumped on me and hit me in the face. While I was trying to fend him off, he took my hand in his mouth. I just couldn’t open his mouth.
“As I was pressing my knee against his throat, a dog approached and attacked him from behind. That’s how I survived.”
A third woman – Vediye Kirmiziaslan – was treated for minor injuries.
Severely injured Destegul was rushed to the Ataturk University Research Hospital in Erzurum.
Dr Ibrahim Ozlu – from the clinic’s facial injuries ward – said: “We started the drug treatment by making tests and examinations.
“We consulted different surgical clinics regarding the healing of her wounds and cuts. The plan is to operate on her jaw.
“There is the risk of infection. We also gave her anti-rabies medication.”
Oral and dental surgery expert Prof Dr Umit Ertas added: “According to the initial findings, there is damage to the bone and soft tissue.
“If there is a problem in the jawbone, we will repair both it and the soft tissue.
“There is a medical waiting period so that the rabies infection does not spread. It can take between five and seven days.”
All four people bitten in the attack will need ongoing anti-rabies treatment, according to local media.
Local health officials have put the neighbourhood under quarantine.
Without treatment, rabies is said to be 100 per cent fatal.
But if treated with the rabies vaccine within ten days of infection, patients usually make a full recovery.
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Story By: Thomas Hochwarter, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Newsflash
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