Malawi: Principal Animal Health and Livestock Development Officer for Karonga District Council, Michael Mapundi has asked for government support to administer rabies vaccine to pets.
The animals in difficult to reach areas have been unable to get access to vaccination du to lack of logistical support. Mapundi made the call on Friday during a free rabies vaccination campaign launched on July 24 in the district.
He spoke to the media regarding his requirement and urged the government of the District and the nation to extend their support. The officials have shared that the thy have been working hard to take care of the health of the animals.
“The district launched a free rabies campaign from July to August after we got support from the Department of Animal Health and Livestock Development of rabies vaccine and a local non governmental organisation based in Mzuzu called Centre for Community Empowerment Initiative (CCEI) with logistics and vaccine,” Mapundi said.
“The campaign was launched in order to control the dangerous disease which can be transmitted from animals to people. During this period, we expect to vaccinate more than 21,000 pets. However, some of them are located in far off areas and we do not have the resources to reach there,” he explained.
Mapundi highlighted that the places where they need government support include
- Fuliwa
- Nthawilo
Chisi - Chikutu
- Gidi
- Mphinga
- Kayelekera
- Ngana
- Katili
- Mphuwu
- Njalayamoto
- Chazale
The places around Nyika National Park also need logistical support and allowances for officers
Fitinah Mhango a Karonga resident from Malema one village in the area of Paramount Chief Kyungu advised authorities to consider vaccinating stray dogs.
“There are a lot of stray dogs running around and these are not vaccinated during the campaigns. There should be deliberate efforts made to vaccinate them because they are the ones who pose the most risk to people since they are rarely vaccinated,” Mhango said.
Rabies is a deadly virus spread to people from the saliva of infected animals usually through a bite. Animals most likely to spread rabies include dogs, bats and cats.
Meanwhile, Karonga district is currently vaccinating pets in all the Extension Planning Areas (EPAs) till August month end and all pet owners are being encouraged to go with their pets in all designated vaccination places.