The Adamawa State Government has raised alarm over the increasing cases of dog bites in some communities of Yola South and Girei local government areas, following confirmed cases of rabies.
In an interview with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Livestock and Aquaculture Development, Dr. Amin Muhammed Suleiman, confirmed that the ministry has received reports of dogs biting both humans and other dogs. He described the situation as a serious public health concern.
Dr. Suleiman stated that affected individuals are currently receiving medical treatment under the close supervision of the ministry’s Rapid Response Squad. Additionally, suspected rabid dogs have been quarantined at an approved government veterinary clinic in Yola for further examination.
He recalled that last December, the ministry sent samples from 19 cats to the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) in Vom, Plateau State. Out of these, nine tested positive for rabies.
The Permanent Secretary assured that the Ministry of Livestock and Aquaculture Development is working closely with the Ministry of Health and Human Development to contain the outbreak. He urged pet owners, particularly those with dogs and cats, to remain vigilant and take their animals to the nearest veterinary clinic for vaccination.
Dr. Suleiman also advised pet owners to watch for unusual behaviors in their animals, such as withdrawal, sudden aggression, or excessive docility. He urged anyone noticing such symptoms to immediately contact veterinary authorities or isolate the affected animals to prevent further spread of the disease.
