The Adamawa State government has confirmed a rabies outbreak, with cats being particularly impacted, raising concerns among residents.
The Commissioner for Livestock and Aquaculture Development, Alhaji Tijjani Maksha, made this announcement in Yola on Thursday, reassuring the public that urgent measures are being taken to control the situation.
Rabies, a fatal viral disease that primarily affects dogs and cats, can also be transmitted to humans through bites from infected animals.
Maksha emphasized the importance of pet owners taking immediate action to protect both their pets and themselves, urging that all cats and dogs be vaccinated at government-approved veterinary clinics.
In a bid to curb the spread of the disease, the ministry is awaiting approval from the governor to launch a statewide vaccination campaign, focusing particularly on cats, which have shown alarming infection rates.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mohammed Amin, shared troubling findings from the National Veterinary Laboratory in Vom, Plateau State, where tests on 19 sampled cats revealed that nearly 50 percent (nine of the 19) were infected with rabies. This disturbing data highlights the severity of the outbreak within the feline population.
Dr. Bathilomeu Nyalas, the Director of Veterinary Services, reported that three deaths linked to rabies occurred in 2024. Despite the challenges posed by the outbreak, Nyalas reassured the public that surveillance efforts are ongoing. Veterinary doctors have been deployed across all 21 Local Government Areas to monitor the situation closely and ensure swift intervention where necessary.
Pet owners are being strongly advised to remain vigilant for any signs of rabies in their animals, including abnormal behavior, excessive drooling, and elevated body temperature.
If any of these symptoms are observed, owners are urged to seek veterinary care immediately to prevent further transmission.
The state government said is taking the outbreak seriously and is committed to controlling the spread of rabies, prioritizing the safety of both animals and humans alike.
Stories by Ademu Idakwo
