The Benue Government has announced a rabies virus outbreak in the Kwande and Gboko Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state. Dr. Aondoakaa Asambe, the Director General of the Benue Bureau of Livestock Development and Transboundary Animal Diseases Control, shared this news on Monday in Makurdi.

Asambe mentioned that the bureau received alerts about potential rabies cases after several people were bitten by a dog in Adikpo, Kwande LGA, as well as in Gboko LGA.

He noted that a total of seven people were bitten by two dogs and that the government is now tracing contacts to find everyone involved.

Investigations showed that the infected dog in Adikpo had been sold to vendors for processing as food.

“Thankfully, the dog’s head was retrieved and submitted to the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) in Vom, Plateau, where laboratory results confirmed the presence of the rabies virus. Rabies is a deadly zoonotic disease with serious implications for both human and animal health. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), over 55,000 people lose their lives to rabies annually, with most cases resulting from dog bites. This outbreak serves as a sobering reminder of the need for urgent action to meet the WHO’s 2030 target to eliminate dog bite-transmitted rabies.” he said.

Asambe mentioned that the findings indicated the dog bite incident in Gboko LG was indeed a rabies case. To tackle the outbreak, he noted that the bureau, along with the One Health Development Initiative (OHDI) and other key partners, has been working on a response plan.

“Tracing and identifying exposed individuals for immediate medical intervention. Community sensitisation campaigns to raise awareness about rabies prevention and control. Ring vaccination of dogs in Adikpo and the launch of a mass anti-rabies vaccination campaign across Kwande and Gboko to curb the spread of the disease,” he said.

The D-G mentioned that the interventions were needed because dogs are super important in rural areas, serving as companions, security, and even helping with hunting for livelihoods. He added that their goal isn't just to tackle the current outbreak but also to boost long-term prevention efforts.

“Looking ahead, the bureau is committed to draughting and implementing a subnational rabies eradication plan, which will guide our coordinated efforts to achieve a rabies-free Benue state by 2030. We call on all pet owners to vaccinate their dogs and cats against rabies as required by law. The bureau will continue to provide the necessary support to ensure the success of the vaccination programme. To the residents of Benue, we urge vigilance. I implore us to report any suspected rabies cases in animals to the nearest veterinary office or local authorities. Additionally, anyone bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal should seek medical attention immediately,” he said.

Asambe praised OHDI for their help and acknowledged the contributions of other partners in the joint effort to eliminate rabies in Benue state and beyond.