A veterinary officer, Bashiru Yamba, has asked the public not to make light of the Ashanti region’s rabies outbreak.
He told Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm that dogs are not the only animals that spread rabies.
He said people who own domestic animals but refuse to maintain their health are at risk of contracting rabies.
He added that domestic animal feeding, maintenance, and healthcare are critical.
He explained that infected animals’ saliva can transmit the virus to other animals and humans.
He said pet owners especially dogs must get vaccinated against rabies so they would be protected from contracting the virus.
He also asked pet owners to identify the signs of rabies although he admitted it is difficult for the medical signs to show at the early stages
He stressed the need for pet owners to regularly send their dogs and other pet animals to the vet for medical care.
He said it would be important for a person bit by dogs and other animals prone to rabies ro seek early medical attention to prevent them from dying.
Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease. It can be passed on to humans and pets if they are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal.
It does not affect only dogs but bats, raccoons, skunks, and other wildlife animals. The rabies virus infects the central nervous system. If a person does not receive appropriate medical care following a potential rabies exposure, the virus can cause disease in the brain, eventually leading to death.
However, rabies can be avoided by vaccinating pets, staying away from wildlife, and seeking medical attention after potential exposures before symptoms appear.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
