By KT Reporter
Residents of Lira City have embraced the mass vaccination of dogs against rabies, with over 1,000 dogs already vaccinated. Towards the end of last year, authorities in Lira City issued a public alert following a sharp rise in dog bite cases: an average of five cases every week.
There were also three confirmed deaths linked to suspected rabies. Subsequently, from December, the authorities launched a mass vaccination exercise targeting pets (dogs and cats) within the City, an initiative which is yielding good results.
Richard Aliro, a resident of Adidikgweno ‘A’, said the sudden news of dog bites and rabies-related deaths scared him into vaccinating a dog he has kept for seven years without vaccinating once. He called on all pet owners to have their pet animals vaccinated in order to protect the general community.
Agatha Agweng, a resident of Gwengabara in City East Division, said the vaccination exercises came at a time when her dog had list appetite for most foods and was becoming violent even towards family members. She hopes that the vaccine will help tame the dog.
Similarly, Martine Zoe from Boroboro is vaccinating his dogs (blue and Lucy) for the second time, explaining the importance of vaccinating pets, urging all pet owners to embrace the exercise.
Peter Okello, a Senior Veterinary Officer attached to Lira City Council, explained that incidences of dog bites have greatly reduced because many people have already vaccinated their pets.
He was also quick to note that the vaccines are scarce, although the ministry has been notified to deliver another consignment.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 70 percent dog vaccination for effective rabies control; however, only 10 percent of domestic dogs in Uganda are currently vaccinated.
Lira City, home to over 300,000 residents, is believed to have at least 4,000 dogs, 1,100 cats, and approximately 6,600 heads of cattle.
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