The Tozeur region in Tunisia has successfully achieved a 100% vaccination rate against rabies for owned animals, with no reported cases of the disease in humans or animals in recent years. This accomplishment is attributed to the annual vaccination campaigns and the high turnout of citizens to vaccinate their pets. According to Dr. Sanaa Al-Khaldi, a veterinary doctor responsible for the rabies file, the region's epidemiological situation is considered stable.
To mark World Rabies Day, which falls on September 28th, the Tozeur Regional Directorate of Agricultural Development organized a vaccination and awareness campaign in the city of Tozeur. A makeshift vaccination center was set up in a commercial space, offering services to pet owners on September 26th and 27th. The center witnessed a significant turnout of citizens eager to vaccinate their animals, recognizing the importance of vaccination in preventing the disease and eliminating the risk of transmission.
Dr. Al-Khaldi emphasized that rabies is a serious and deadly disease that affects the central nervous system of animals and humans. The disease is transmitted through bites, scratches, or licks on open wounds from infected animals, primarily cats and dogs. She urged citizens to take precautions and vaccinate their pets regularly, highlighting the importance of completing the vaccination schedule to ensure protection against the disease.
The vaccination campaign for this year began on September 14th and will continue until the end of October. Mobile teams will be deployed to various delegations according to a set schedule, in addition to fixed vaccination centers that provide services throughout the year. The Tozeur Regional Directorate of Agricultural Development has taken measures to ensure that all owned animals are vaccinated, contributing to the region's high vaccination rate.
In the event of exposure to rabies, Dr. Al-Khaldi advised individuals to wash the affected area with soap and water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention immediately. She stressed the importance of completing the vaccination schedule if symptoms occur. The Tunisian authorities have taken steps to raise awareness about the disease and promote preventive measures, including vaccination and proper animal care.
The achievement of a 100% vaccination rate in Tozeur is a significant milestone in the fight against rabies. The region's efforts to control the disease have been successful, and the authorities continue to work towards maintaining this achievement. The vaccination campaign is part of a broader effort to protect public health and animal welfare in Tunisia.
The regional authorities have encouraged citizens to continue vaccinating their pets and to take precautions to prevent the spread of the disease. With a stable epidemiological situation and a high vaccination rate, the Tozeur region is considered a model for rabies control in Tunisia.
Key points
- The Tozeur region in Tunisia has achieved a 100% vaccination rate against rabies for owned animals.
- No cases of rabies have been reported in humans or animals in the region in recent years.
- The region's vaccination campaign is part of a broader effort to protect public health and animal welfare in Tunisia.
