Tunisia has recorded a significant decline in animal rabies cases, with a reported drop of over 20%, according to Dr. Wehib Mehri, Director General of the General Directorate of Veterinary Services at the Ministry of Agriculture. This announcement was made on the sidelines of the launch of the national vaccination and awareness campaign against rabies, marking World Rabies Day. The campaign aims to promote awareness and preventive measures against the disease.
The goal is to achieve zero human cases of rabies by 2030, Dr. Mehri emphasized. He highlighted the importance of awareness and education on the risks of rabies, as well as the adoption of preventive behaviors. The campaign includes free vaccination programs for dogs and cats, with over 160 vaccination points established across the country and more than 220 interventions in educational institutions to raise awareness among young people.
Dr. Mehri described the issue of stray dogs as a "burning" and "taboo" topic, given the increasing number of stray dogs in the country. He stressed that addressing this issue requires the involvement of all relevant parties, including veterinarians, associations, and civil society. The presence of stray dogs poses a significant risk of rabies transmission to humans, making it essential to tackle the issue effectively.
The national campaign against rabies is an annual event aimed at promoting awareness and preventive measures against the disease. Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals, including humans, and is usually transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. The disease is almost always fatal if left untreated, making vaccination and awareness crucial in controlling its spread.
According to Dr. Mehri, the Ministry of Agriculture has taken several measures to control the spread of rabies, including the establishment of vaccination points and awareness campaigns. The ministry has also collaborated with various stakeholders, including veterinarians, associations, and civil society, to address the issue of stray dogs and promote awareness about rabies.
Despite the decline in animal rabies cases, Tunisia still faces challenges in controlling the disease, particularly with regards to stray dogs. The issue requires a multi-faceted approach, including vaccination programs, awareness campaigns, and effective management of stray dog populations. The government and relevant stakeholders must work together to address this issue and achieve the goal of zero human cases of rabies by 2030.
The awareness campaign against rabies will continue throughout the year, with various activities and events planned to promote awareness and preventive measures against the disease. The campaign aims to educate the public about the risks of rabies and the importance of vaccination, as well as promote a culture of responsibility among dog owners.
Key points
- Tunisia aims to achieve zero human cases of rabies by 2030.
- Over 20% decline in animal rabies cases reported in Tunisia.
- Stray dogs remain a significant concern in controlling the spread of rabies in Tunisia.
