The Adamawa State government has confirmed an outbreak of rabies, with cats being notably affected.
The Commissioner for Livestock and Aquaculture Development, Alhaji Tijjani Maksha, disclosed this in Yola on Thursday, assuring that steps are being taken to contain the spread.
Maksha explained that rabies, a fatal viral disease, primarily affects dogs and cats and can be transmitted to humans through bites from infected animals.
He urged pet owners, particularly those with cats and dogs, to ensure their animals receive vaccinations at government-approved veterinary clinics.
He also revealed that the ministry is awaiting the governor’s approval to initiate a statewide vaccination campaign targeting pets, especially cats.
Providing further details, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Amin, stated that tests conducted at the National Veterinary Laboratory in Vom, Plateau State, showed that nine out of 19 sampled cats tested positive for rabies, indicating a concerning infection rate of nearly 50 percent among the feline population.
Dr. Bathilomeu Nyalas, Director of Veterinary Services, reported that three rabies-related deaths had been recorded in 2024.
He reassured the public that surveillance efforts are ongoing, with veterinary doctors deployed across all 21 Local Government Areas to monitor the situation.
Nyalas advised pet owners to watch for rabies symptoms in animals, such as abnormal behavior, excessive drooling, and high body temperature, urging them to seek veterinary care immediately if any signs appear.
