Mz add targets to vaccinate6 000 pets in Nkhata Bay
Mzuzu Agricultural Development Division (Mzadd) has launched a free mass rabies vaccination campaign targeting at least 6 200 out of 8 000 pets in Nkhata Bay District.
Speaking on Saturday during the launch of the initiative at Chintheche Community Ground in Traditional Authority Malanda, Mzadd chief agriculture officer Francis Chilenga said rabies remains a serious public health problem that needs attention.
He said the targeted number represents almost 70 percent of the pets’ population which is recommended by the World Health Organisation.
“This year, we recorded 183 suspected cases of rabies waiting for laboratory results. We ask more players to help with procurement of rabies vaccine,” said Chilenga.
However, he bemoaned low turnout in vaccination centres, leading to vaccine expiry.
Nkhata Bay District Council official Edgar Chihana commended Centre for Community Empowerment for supporting the council to buy the anti-rabies vaccine.
He also appealed to community leaders to spread the message about the significance of vaccinating their pets.
Centre for Community Empowerment board member Marko Chiumia expressed commitment to continue supporting government in various projects.
The launch was held under the theme ‘Breaking rabies barriers’.
The district will administer the free anti-rabies vaccine to pets until the end of this month.
Rabies is a deadly virus spread to people from the saliva of infected animals.
Rabies is usually spread through an animal bite and beasts likely to spread it include dogs, bats and foxes.
