Increasing rate of dog bites worries Adamawa govt

The Adamawa State government has expressed concern over the rising cases of dog bites in some communities of Yola South and Girei local government areas of the state.

Dr Amin Muhammed Suleiman, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Livestock and Aquaculture Development, said the ministry has received reports of dogs biting both humans and other dogs, describing the situation as a serious public health concern.

Affected individuals are currently receiving medical treatment under the close supervision of the ministry’s Rapid Response Squad.

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Suspected rabid dogs have been quarantined at an approved government veterinary clinic in Yola for further examination.

The permanent secretary said last December, the ministry sent samples from 19 cats to the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) in Vom, Plateau State, with nine testing positive for rabies.

He said the Ministry of Livestock and Aquaculture Development is working closely with the Ministry of Health and Human Development to contain the outbreak.

Pet owners, particularly those with dogs and cats, are urged to remain vigilant and take their animals to the nearest veterinary clinic for vaccination.

Dr Suleiman advised pet owners to watch for unusual behaviours in their animals, such as withdrawal, sudden aggression, or excessive docility, and to immediately contact veterinary authorities or isolate the affected animals if such symptoms are noticed.