People are not fully aware of the dangers of rabies

Dong Thap Provincial People's Committee has just issued an official dispatch directing the strengthening of urgent solutions to prevent and combat rabies. How is rabies prevention work implemented in the province - revolving around this content Vietnam Agriculture News had an interview with Mr. Vo Be Hien, Director of the Department of Livestock, Animal Health and Fisheries of Dong Thap province. 

Sir, how is the current implementation of rabies vaccination for dogs and cats in the province? Has the vaccination rate been ensured according to regulations?

Implementing the annual disease prevention plans for livestock, poultry and aquaculture, the Dong Thap Department of Livestock, Animal Health and Fisheries regularly reviews and statistics the total population of dogs and cats. On that basis, the department proposes the amount of anti-rabies vaccine that needs to be purchased to prevent diseases in livestock, poultry and aquaculture.

Rabies vaccines are allocated based on the total local dog and cat population to ensure that districts and cities vaccinate over 70% of the total dog and cat population. In 2023, the rabies vaccination rate in dogs and cats only reached 64.68% (22,105/38,976 animals), not reaching the prescribed vaccination rate. 

The number of rabies vaccines that districts and cities have received from the beginning of 2024 until now to vaccinate dogs and cats is 13,350 doses. Currently, 13,350 dogs and cats have been vaccinated, accounting for 41.4% of the total herd (total herd of 32,283 dogs). 

In general, rabies vaccination from the beginning of the year until now is still low (less than 50% of the total herd) because vaccination is in the process of being deployed. Additionally, people are not aware of the risks and harmful effects of rabies on themselves and the community. They have not proactively purchased rabies vaccines to vaccinate the province's dogs and cats. Therefore, the risk of rabies in dogs and cats is very high, especially in the current complicated epidemic situation.

The management of dog herds in many localities in the province has not received much attention. These include statistics on dogs and cats, inspecting and handling cases of non-compliance with dog registration, rabies vaccination, and letting dogs run free... 

What suggestions or recommendations do you have to overcome the above limitations?

I think that it is necessary to synchronously implement solutions to prevent and control rabies for dogs and cats according to official directives and plans issued by the Dong Thap Provincial People's Committee on Rabies Prevention and Control. It is also necessary to focus on directing veterinary staff to urgently organize thorough rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats that must be vaccinated according to the provisions of the law.

At the same time, dog and cat-raising households are required to commit to seriously declaring, registering and vaccinating against rabies, and chaining and confining dogs. When letting dogs go out on the street or in public places, they must be accompanied by someone and wear a muzzle according to regulations.

Along with that, promote information and propaganda so that dog owners are responsible for strictly implementing dog management regulations and not letting dogs run free. When taking the dog out, it is necessary to strictly wear a muzzle, have someone walk by it, and comply with rabies vaccination.

Propagate widely among the community, organizations and individuals (especially in rural areas and children) about the dangerous nature and signs of rabies in animals. Implement effective measures and legal regulations on rabies prevention and control.

Require health agencies to inspect and strictly handle administrative violations against organizations and individuals using unrecognized methods, using drugs with no license for circulation to examine and treat people with rabies or people bitten by dogs or cats. 

Which agency or unit should people contact to vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies? What are the penalties for non-compliance with regulations on vaccination and pet management?

To vaccinate dogs and cats, people should contact the veterinary staff of their commune, ward, or town or go to the nearest veterinary hospital, veterinary clinic, or veterinary service. People who raise dogs, cats and other animals related to dogs and cats must comply with regulations on vaccination as well as pet management. They are responsible for compensation if their pets bite people.

The Government has issued a Decree and regulations on sanctioning administrative violations in the field of veterinary medicine. Failure to comply with regulations on vaccination as well as livestock management will be administratively handled with a fine of between VND 1 million and VND 2 million. 

In the past year, although Dong Thap province has had no deaths due to dog or cat bites, however, prevention is extremely necessary. So what is the professional industry's solution to effectively prevent rabies?

What do you recommend about how to handle dog or cat bites? 

When bitten by a dog or cat, the victim must do the following 3 important things: People bitten by dogs and cats must wash the wound with soap and immediately go to a medical facility for first aid and advice on preventive treatment according to the health sector.

People who are bitten by dogs and cats should not subjectively seek treatment with traditional methods or traditional medicine. Declare identifying information about dogs and cats, dog owner information, and where the accident occurred with the nearest medical or veterinary agency so that the veterinary agency and health agency can conduct an investigation according to regulations. Dogs and cats that bite people must be isolated and monitored for 14 days.

Thank you Sir!