Malawi: Mzuzu Agriculture Development Division (MZADD) have announced that they will be administering rabies vaccination to 9,000 pets. The number of pets will also include dogs and cats in Mzuzu City during the current mass sensitization and vaccination campaign.
In an interview Thursday, the Chief Animal Health and Livestock Development Officer for Mzuzu ADD, Dr. Michael Luwe spoke about the developmemt. The official shared the details of the organization said rabies vaccination campaigns are conducted every year in countries including Malawi where Rabies disease is common.
The officials have shared that the members of the community have been delighted with the success of the vaccination initiative. The leaders have shared that rabies disease is deadly but a highly preventable disease that poses a significant threat to the public in areas where vaccination coverage is low.
The infection not only pos a threat to human lives, but also the lives of the animals that they potentially infect. The officials have shared that they are confident in their belief that the vaccination campaign will support several social media
“Globally, Rabies kill one person every nine minutes hence I advise all people who own pets either dogs or cats to ensure that their pets get the vaccine,” said Luwe.
“So, it advisable that people should have their pets vaccinated and avoid interacting with suspeted dogs,” added Luwe.
He then commended Community Health Coalition (Florida-USA) for supporting the initiative in the city with its associated logistics and vaccines.
“Similar efforts are being made in other areas under MZADD with support from government and other partners,” he said.
One of the people who took her dogs to a Rabies vaccination site within the city, Jean Kaunda commended MZADD for conducting the campaign saying if not careful rabies can be a public health concern.
“I am also pleased with the initiative which includes Rabies awareness messages. People should know why they have to vaccinate their pets thereafter they will be seeking such services hence the success of the campaign,” said Kaunda.