Heightened efforts to administer rabies vaccines for dogs and cats

First fatal case of rabies in humans

According to the Ministry of Health, the number of cases of rabies in humans saw a rapid increase in 2023 and early 2024.

Thai Nguyen province's Sub-Department of Livestock Production, Animal Health and Fisheries reported that over 1,000 local residents bitten by dogs or cats have undergone preventive treatment at local healthcare facilities since the beginning of 2024. Notably, one fatal case was recorded in Dan Tien commune, Vo Nhai district, Thai Nguyen province.

In response to the unpredictable spread of rabies, the Chairman of the Thai Nguyen Provincial People's Committee requested the local Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to instruct the Sub-Department of Livestock Production, Animal Health and Fisheries to promote information dissemination, training, and raise awareness and responsibility among the population regarding rabies prevention and control measures.

Instructions have been provided to ensure strict compliance with legal regulations regarding the breeding and management of dogs, cats, and other potentially disease-causing animals, with an emphasis on rabies vaccination for dogs and cats. Additionally, the People's Committees of districts and cities within Thai Nguyen province must implement measures for managing domestic dog and cat populations, and preventing the spread of rabies in animals in accordance with regulations.

Upon receiving information regarding suspected rabies cases in humans bitten by dogs or cats, or suspected rabies in animals within the community, district-level specialized agencies must promptly report and coordinate with veterinary and medical agencies to conduct investigations and collect samples for rabies diagnosis in animals.

Additionally, local governments at the commune, ward, and town levels must conduct accurate surveys and statistics collection on households with dogs and cats to establish management records. Strict enforcement of rabies vaccination for dogs and cats at the local level must be maintained, with the aim of vaccinating over 80% of the total dog and cat population in the province in 2024.

The Thai Nguyen Provincial People's Committee has tasked the local Department of Health with instructing its subordinate units to collaborate with veterinary agencies in enhancing surveillance of rabies in humans and animals. Moreover, the Department must maintain an adequate supply of rabies vaccines, and enhance accessibility to rabies vaccines and rabies immune globulin, with at least one vaccination center in each district and city. Medical personnel at vaccination centers will receive training to enhance their skills in consulting and managing cases of animal bites.

Local governments simultaneously launching rabies vaccination campaigns

Pho Yen city recently organized a campaign to administer rabies vaccines for dogs and cats across all 18 wards and communes. The province's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and Sub-Department of Livestock Production, Animal Health and Fisheries coordinated with Pho Yen City People's Committee to establish three teams to inspect, instruct, encourage, and expedite vaccination efforts across the city.

The city plans to administer 22,500 doses of rabies vaccine in the first phase of 2024. Notably, approximately 18,000 dogs were vaccinated on the first day of the campaign, which represent over 80% of the total dog population in the city. Moreover, dog and cat owners will receive 80% financial support for purchasing rabies vaccines from the city budget.

Similarly, Song Cong city organized a campaign to administer rabies vaccines for dogs and cats across all 10 wards and communes.

Mr. Nguyen Van Huan, a resident in Chau Son ward, Song Cong city, revealed: "I feel relieved knowing that my dog receives rabies vaccination every year. Vaccination protects the health of not only my family but also everyone around us."

According to Mr. Dang Van Phuc, a resident in Na Chua hamlet, Ba Xuyen commune, Song Cong city, his neighborhood actively disseminates information through community loudspeakers, Zalo groups, etc. Accordingly, local residents are reminded to vaccinate their dogs to ensure disease safety and foster a safe environment for the community.

Song Cong city plans to administer 9,300 doses of rabies vaccine for dogs and cats in the first phase of 2024. Notably, over 80% of the local dog and cat population was vaccinated on the first morning of the campaign. Residents in the city are provided with 10,000 to 13,950 Vietnamese dong to purchase rabies vaccines.

Ms. Doan Thi Thinh, Director of the city's Agricultural Service Center, stated that rabies vaccination has remained as a top priority for Song Cong. As a result, specialized agencies constantly remind residents to ensure full vaccination against rabies.

In addition to rabies vaccination, dog and cat owners are encouraged to participate in purchasing civil liability insurance for rabies prevention and control. The effective implementation of rabies vaccination for dogs and cats not only contributes to ensuring the stability of the pet population, but also enhances public awareness regarding rabies and its threat to human lives.