By Abbas Nazil
Communities across Adamawa State are gripped by growing fears of a rabies outbreak following a surge in unprovoked dog and cat attacks.
Health authorities have sounded the alarm over the serious public health risks posed by the recent escalation in animal bites, which have been reported in several areas including Lainde, Kofare, Yolde Pate, and Haying Gada.
Dr. Bartholomew Nyalas, the Director of Veterinary Services and Epidemiologist at the State Ministry of Livestock and Aquaculture, confirmed the disturbing trend, noting that last year alone, three people died from rabies-related complications.
He emphasized that the state is currently contending with aggressive and sporadic attacks, largely characteristic of rabies infections.
Although confirmation requires laboratory tests on either the dog or the victim, the pattern of incidents aligns closely with rabies symptoms.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, Adamawa State’s Commissioner for Livestock and Aquaculture, Tijjani Maksha, confirmed a rabies outbreak last week and pointed out that cats are also notably affected.
During a national monkeypox surveillance campaign conducted by federal health authorities, 19 stray cats were captured in the city centre, and lab tests revealed that nine—nearly 50%—tested positive for the rabies virus.
This finding has heightened concern about a rabies reservoir existing within neighborhoods, making it difficult to predict which animal might transmit the virus or who the potential human victims might be.
In response, the state government has initiated several containment measures.
These include public sensitisation efforts such as radio jingles, distribution of flyers, and town-wide announcements urging residents to avoid stray animals and ensure pets are securely restrained.
Pet owners have been strongly advised to chain or cage their dogs, and stray animal control has been assigned to the Ministry of Environment.
However, the absence of an executive order to neutralize stray animals complicates the task, as capturing them remains a significant challenge.
One dog has already been quarantined at Bannex Veterinary Hospital as part of the state’s effort to monitor and manage potential cases.
A deadline will soon be announced for dog owners to comply with safety directives, and failure to do so could trigger stricter enforcement actions.
Although no hospital admissions have been recorded so far this year, several individuals bitten by animals have been urged to seek immediate post-exposure prophylaxis and vaccination.
The ministry is planning a mass vaccination campaign targeting all domestic dogs and cats within the state as a strategic move to break the chain of transmission.
