13 Sep 2017

An official from the Department of Veterinary Services, Dr Wave Kashweeka has emphasised the need for public education on the importance of vaccinating and sterilising pets for rabies.

He said rabies was a  viral disease which caused inflammation to the brain  and that it affected carnivores especially dogs, cats, jackals, raccoons, wild dogs and bats, adding that it also affected domestic animals such as cattle, goats and donkeys through attacks by wild dogs.

Dr Kashweeka explained during a meeting at Maun Administrative Authority that animals and pets which may be affected by rabies may seem to be partially paralysed, act aggressively, have excessive salivation or behave in a strange way.

He further advised the public to immediately seek for medical attention after being bitten by dogs or any animal that may carry the viral disease.

“When you have been exposed to the virus, you have to wash the bite spot with detergent for about 15 minutes and report to the nearest veterinary offices,” he stressed.

In addition, he said rabies could be prevented and controlled by vaccinating, control of movements, and confinement of pets through the use of leach, sterilization of pets as well as giving prophylaxis to humans for pre and post exposure.

He advised the public especially pets owners to allow veterinary officers to vaccinate and sterilise their pets during vaccination period which is scheduled for September until mid October 2017.

He also advised that sterilization of pets help in the sense that it controls movement and behaviour of pets and the population of stray dogs.

He stressed the importance for veterinary officials to be administered with pre-exposure vaccine to protect them from rabies in case they are bitten.

 North West Region, District Animal Production Officer, Mr Baagi Chilume encouraged all officials who will be a part of the vaccination team to be devoted to their work  to ensure its success.Ends