Help eradicate rabies in Sri Lanka by 2020 | World Rabies Day was on September 28
Rabies is a deadly disease people get mainly from dogs and cats in Sri Lanka. Fortunately rabies can easily be prevented with vaccination both in people and animals. Rabies is 100 % preventable if treatment is sought on time.
Unfortunately annually around 55,000 people die of rabies in the world; mainly in Asian and African countries. In Sri Lanka about 30 to 40 people die annually of rabies. This can be reduced further by people seeking rapid medical attention and more dogs being vaccinated against rabies islandwide.
A dog being vaccinated by a vet from the Blue Paw Trust
The government medical system is well developed. Recently the Department of Animal Production and Health has also joined hands to eradicate rabies. Several NGOs like the Blue Paw Trust are also dedicated to eradicating dog rabies from Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka aims to be rabies- free by 2020 with the involvement of all related stakeholders.
Who gets rabies?
- All mammals including humans.
- mainly pets like dogs, cats, rabbits,
- farm animals like cattle, goats, sheep, pigs
- Wild animals – elephants, foxes, etc.
How do people get rabies?
Mainly through a bite from an infected animal. When a rabid dog bites a man, through that bite wound, the virus enters the body and travels through the nerves to the brain. Once the virus reaches the brain it affects the whole central nervous system and the muscles get paralysed. At this stage the disease cannot be treated.
How do dogs get rabies?
From another infected dog or any other wild animal that is suffering from rabies.
Signs of dog rabies
A rabid dog may have all or some of the following signs such as :Change in behaviour, excessive salivation from the mouth, paralysed tongue and dropped jaw, refusing food and water, inability to swallow , “bone in throat” symptom, restlessness, pawing the ground, strange glare in eyes, attacking and chewing inanimate objects, being uncoordinated, abnormal behaviour and aggression.
Treatment
There is no treatment once the signs develop. Therefore, being educated on rabies prevention to protect yourself is vital.
What can you do if a dog bites you?
Wash the bite wound with soap and running water for 10 minutes and seek medical advice as soon as possible since prevention of the disease is very easy and government hospitals provide necessary medication free of charge.
How do you prevent dogs getting rabies?
Vaccination of as many dogs as possible in your area is the best way. If you have a pet dog at home get it vaccinated annually. Help to get dogs without owners (community dogs who roam on streets, public premises, etc) also vaccinated because any dog can get the disease.
Is it possible to eradicate dog rabies from Sri Lanka?
Yes, it is possible. The fact that Sri Lanka is an island makes it more possible. It is easier to eradicate such diseases from islands. Countries like England and Japan have eradicated rabies. In the Colombo project which the Blue Paw Trust (BPT), carried out together with Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) and World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) from 2007 to 2012, the dog rabies cases were brought down from 35 to 3 in five years. If done scientifically and systematically , dog rabies can be eradicated from Sri Lanka. But it needs support from all sectors; government, non government organisations and community support.
If we are to eradicate dog rabies we need to vaccinate 70 % of the dog population in Sri Lanka with a good vaccine for three consecutive years. This is called herd immunity. A good vaccine is one that should be able to develop immunity that will last for three years. Community support is very important to get 70 % of the dog population vaccinated. If everyone vaccinates their own dogs and those they look after or feed in their neighbourhood we will be well on our way to herd immunity and eradication.
How to prevent dogs biting you
People get bitten mainly due to lack of awareness. If you know what irritates dogs and compels them to bite, you can avoid getting bitten.
- Don’t run near a dog –it may chase after you and bite
- Don’t touch young puppies when their mother is around – the mother will bite to protect her pups
- Don’t look directly into eyes of dogs – they consider it a threat
- Don’t disturb dogs when eating – they will protect their food.
- Don’t hit or kick a dog. He will probably bite in self defence.
- If a dog chases after you don’t run, stand still. This may seem counter intuitive but it really works. Dogs don’t see stationary objects very well. They see moving objects very well. They have a natural prey drive which makes them want to chase and catch moving things.
- If you fall down when a dog is chasing, turn your face to the ground and close your ears with your hands – to prevent injury to your face, eyes, mouth, etc. Rabies virus in this area moves to the brain faster.
- If you enter a house with a dog be careful the dog may bite to protect the house and owner.
Remember not all dog bites are rabid dog bites but all dog bites should be prevented.
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