Rabies outbreak: Mass dog, cat vaccination underway in Lyantonde

HEALTH 

LYANTONDE - A massive dog and cat vaccination exercise has kicked off in Lyantonde to contain a prevalent outbreak of rabies in the district.

The outbreak was reported in sub-counties of Lyantonde town council, Kansagama, Lyakajura and Kinuuka.

At least four minors in these sub-counties were attacked by rabid dogs and rushed to Lyantonde hospital in critical condition.

Unfortunately, one minor so far identified as Turyasingura of Kalagala village in Lyantonde Town Council, succumbed to rabies two days later. 

The three survivors including two boys, both 9-year-olds and a 10-year-old girl are still receiving anti-rabies treatment at the hospital. 

World Health Organisation (WHO) defines rabies as an infectious viral disease that is almost fatal upon the onset of clinical symptoms in human beings.

Dr. Ronald Bameka, the District Veterinary Officer (DVO) said that the vaccination exercise started on Monday and was inevitable due to the rising cases.

He said that more than 16 goats and 3 head of cattle were reported to have the strain yet over 200 dogs were suspected to be infected.

According to Bameka, the ongoing vaccination drive is supported by the Livestock Health and Entomology Department in the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal, Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) in cooperation with the Ministry of Health.

He further appealed to residents to take their dogs and cats for vaccination at parish and sub-county headquarters. Those who defy the exercise risk arrest.

In this exercise, veterinarians are to eliminate stray dogs and at the same time embark on a sensitisation campaign. In the 2018 census, Bameka said, Lyantonde had 7500 domestic dogs and the stray dogs doubled the number. 
  
WHO estimates 55,000 rabies deaths every year in the world while the Global Alliance for Rabies Control, estimates a total of 70,000 deaths with 10 million treated for bites from potentially infected dogs.