Rabies Infections on the Raise; Experts warn
Uasin Gishu County Assembly Directs County Government to deal with the stray dogs menace /Photo Courtesy
By Wambui Kamau
The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives has called for action against the increasing number of rabies infections in Nakuru County, Rift Valley.
Reports from the World Health Organization show that the rabies virus is transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal, affecting the central nervous system of mammals and becomes fatal once symptoms begin to appear.
The Ministry has attributed the increased number of rabies infections to the ongoing drought in the country, which makes wild animals, roam around, and interact with tamed animals and human beings.
According to the Regional Veterinary Investigation Laboratory in Nakuru, eight out of the nine samples submitted for testing, tested positive. This however does not depict the actual data due to inadequate reporting of such cases.
The ministry has given recommendations on prevention of rabies which include increased public awareness on control and prevention of rabies, disease surveillance and reporting, vaccination of dogs, cats, and donkeys and responsible dog ownership.
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