By Yussif Ibrahim
Barekese (Ash), Oct. 01, GNA – The Atwima Nwabiagya North District has marked World Rabies Day with a free anti-rabies vaccination exercise aimed at increasing vaccination coverage among domestic animals and raising public awareness about rabies prevention.
The exercise, conducted by veterinary officers in Asuofia, Asamang, Barekese and surrounding communities, targeted 200 animals, including dogs, cats and monkeys, out of which 117 were vaccinated, representing 58.5 per cent of the target.
Ms. Grace Achiaa, District Director of Agriculture, said the exercise formed part of efforts to support Ghana’s national goal of eliminating dog-mediated human rabies by 2030 through increased vaccination coverage and public education.
She said the intervention was also intended to improve access to rabies vaccination, encourage the annual vaccination of dogs and cats, and strengthen community participation in rabies prevention.
Ms. Akosua Ampofowaa, District Veterinary Officer, said dogs received particular attention because they remained the principal source of human rabies transmission.
She urged pet owners to vaccinate their animals regularly and to report suspected cases of rabies to veterinary authorities for prompt intervention.
Ms. Ampofowaa also advised the public to seek immediate medical attention after being bitten or scratched by a suspected rabid animal to reduce the risk of infection.
Data from the Atwima Nwabiagya North District Health Directorate indicated that 445 dog-bite cases were recorded in the district between January 2022 and August 2026.
Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects mammals, including humans, and is mainly transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite.
The vaccination exercise was, therefore, considered a critical preventive measure to reduce the incidence of rabies among animals and prevent human deaths.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Yussif Ibrahim