Veterinary Officers step up anti-rabies campaign

Dr. Albert Kofi Kwansah-Filson, Ashanti Regional Director of the Veterinary Services, has called for the intensification of the anti-rabies campaign amidst a surge of reported cases of the disease.

There were 24 rabies cases in the region, last year, compared with the year 2013 figure of 13. At the same time dog bites rose from 400 to 690 during the period.

He described the figures as frightening, and asked that veterinary officers worked with zeal to vaccinate all pets.

He said it was completely unacceptable that anybody should die of rabies related-diseases, because they could be prevented.

Dr Kwansah-Filson was speaking at an end-of-year regional performance review meeting of the service in Kumasi.

He told the officers to show more visibility, and collaborate with the relevant organizations and institutions to promote animal health.

He announced the establishment of 30 district core centres, to run a 24-hour surveillance on disease control cases.

The Regional Director advised that they put their ears on the ground, monitor, evaluate and report emerging cases for support and management.

He also drew attention to the need for them to report unlicensed practitioners to the authorities and the law enforcement agencies for action.

He said the region would embark on a number of training programmes, particularly, basic accounting principles, and other office practices to improve performance.

Dr. Sophie Valeix, a Researcher, University of Sussex, United Kingdom (UK), urged the workers to collaborate and adopt best veterinary practices.