18 die of rabies in Vietnam in Jan-Feb
Thursday, February 29, 2024, 11:14 GMT+7
Vietnam had recorded 18 deaths from rabies as of February 20, up nine fatalities year on year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Nearly 70,000 people suffering dog and cat bites received treatment at hospitals and got vaccinated against rabies during the two-month period.
The figure rose 11 percent compared to the same period last year.
The ministry has issued a dispatch asking relevant units to enhance efforts in the fight against rabies.
In 2023, the country reported 82 rabies-linked deaths, mainly in Gia Lai Province in the Central Highlands region, Binh Phuoc and Ben Tre Provinces in southern Vietnam, north-central Nghe An Province, and northern Dien Bien Province, a year-on-year increase of 12 people.
The ministry blamed the rise in fatalities caused by rabies on localities’ poor management of dogs and cats.
These animals roam freely on the streets, particularly in rural areas, without any leash or muzzle, posing a potential threat to local residents, particularly children.
The efforts to administer anti-rabies vaccinations to dogs were not effective.
In 2023, the national vaccination coverage rate against the deadly virus among dogs was a mere 50 percent.
Besides, harsh sanctions on those who let their pets out without a leash or muzzle are not imposed stringently.
Meanwhile, many residents have yet to see the danger of dogs and cats infected with rabies.
The ministry proposed the authorities of provinces and cities step up efforts to detect and contain rabies hotspots, as well as prevent rabies infections.
Localities must make a list of households which are raising dogs and cats, and ask them to vaccinate and take care of their pets carefully to prevent them from biting people.
Dog and cat owners are required to keep their pets in cages, or muzzle them when they are taken to public places.
The ministry has set a goal for the nationwide anti-rabies vaccination rate among dogs and cats in 2024 to exceed 70 percent.
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