The Adamawa State Government has confirmed an outbreak of rabies, with cats being particularly affected. Authorities are urging pet owners to vaccinate their animals to prevent further spread of the deadly virus.

During a press briefing in Yola, the Commissioner for Livestock and Aquaculture Development, Alhaji Tijjani Maksha, highlighted the dangers of rabies, emphasizing that the virus is primarily transmitted through bites from infected animals—especially dogs and cats.

Maksha reassured residents that containment measures are underway and called on pet owners to visit government-accredited veterinary clinics for immediate vaccination. He also revealed that the ministry is awaiting gubernatorial approval to roll out a statewide pet vaccination campaign, prioritizing cats due to their high infection rate.

High Infection Rate Among Cats

Dr. Mohammed Amin, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, disclosed that laboratory tests conducted at the National Veterinary Laboratory in VOM, Plateau State, showed that 9 out of 19 tested cats were positive for rabies. This alarming statistic suggests that nearly 50% of the cat population in the state may be at risk.

Rabies-Related Fatalities and Ongoing Surveillance

Dr. Bathilomeu Nyalas, Director of Veterinary Services, confirmed that three people have died from rabies-related cases in 2024. He assured the public that veterinary doctors and health officials have been deployed across all 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs) to monitor and curb further spread.

Warning Signs of Rabies in Pets

Pet owners are advised to be vigilant and watch out for the following rabies symptoms in animals:
✅ Unusual aggression or erratic behavior
✅ Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
✅ High fever and restlessness
✅ Aversion to water and difficulty swallowing

If a pet exhibits any of these symptoms, owners should immediately seek veterinary attention and avoid direct contact with suspected rabid animals.

Protect Your Pets, Protect Yourself

Rabies is a 100% fatal but 100% preventable disease. The best protection is vaccination. Adamawa’s pet owners are strongly encouraged to ensure their cats and dogs are immunized to safeguard both human and animal health.