The Yobe State Pilot Livestock Development Program has successfully contained a rabies outbreak in Malam Matari, a community on the outskirts of Damaturu, following the swift intervention of its Veterinary Rapid Response Team.
The emergency response was led by the Program Manager, Dr. Bulama Maina Yaro, who supervised the safe disposal and deep burial of two goats that had been bitten by a rabid dog. The measure was aimed at preventing further transmission of the deadly virus and safeguarding public health.
According to Dr. Yaro, the outbreak began after a rabid dog attacked five residents and several livestock in the community.
A sample collected from the infected dog was sent to the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) laboratory in Jos, Plateau State, where it tested positive for rabies.
Following confirmation of the disease, the Veterinary Rapid Response Team immediately launched containment measures to halt the spread of the virus.
Dr. Yaro assured residents that the situation has been brought under control, adding that the five affected persons are responding well to treatment. He said they are currently receiving the recommended five-dose post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) vaccination regimen and are out of immediate danger.
The intervention was carried out in collaboration with the Yobe State Ministry of Livestock, represented by the Director of Veterinary Public Health, Abdullahi Maiwada.
Health authorities urged members of the public to report suspected cases of rabies promptly, avoid contact with animals showing unusual behaviour, and seek immediate medical attention after any animal bite to prevent infection.
