WORLD RABIES DAY: EXPERTS WARN PUBLIC AGAINST STRAY DOGS
By Idarus Pajobo
Arua
Health experts in Arua city and district have warned against stray Animals especially dogs in Public places which they say are the ones that cause rabies disease through bites.
Rabies is a preventable viral disease most often transmitted through the bite of rabid animal; the rabies virus infects the central nervous system of mammals ultimately causing disease in the brain and death.
Due to this, Dr. Willy Nguma the District Veterinary Doctor said that, Activities of vaccinating animals are ongoing in the district and city.
He further called upon pet owners especially cats and dogs to only keep the numbers that they can manage in terms of health care and welfare as enshrined in prevention of cruelty to animal act.
He added, “Stray dogs pose a big threat to high numbers of animal bites cases all over , and there are plans to destroy them using strychnine poisoning an activity that will be carefully planned with local authorities and the communities.”
According to authorities, first, this activity will be put public for everyone to understand then a schedule will be drawn and lastly, the team will swing into action and bring stray animals at strategic spots all over the town and the district. They further added that, the burial of these animals will strictly be handled by local authorizes themselves at the end.
According to the animal straying act in Uganda, An administrative, veterinary or police officer or inspecting officer may seize any animal found straying or any animal of which he or she has reason to believe the owner refuses to take and keep charge of .
According to PubMed central, in 2011, rabies contributed to 7.2% of all animal caused disease out breaks in Africa making it the highest, Uganda registered 466 cases and 40.9 deaths.
September 28 is World Rabies Day, a global health observance started in 2007 to raise awareness about the world’s deadliest infectious disease and bring together partners to enhance prevention and control efforts worldwide.
World Rabies Day is an opportunity to reflect on how rabies impacts your community and other communities around the world.
COVER PHOTO: A dog in a cage By Idarus Pajobo
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