Lusaka Animal Welfare Society Free Rabies Clinic SUCCESS

By Brenda Zulu 

 The free Rabies Vaccination Clinic held at the Ndjovu Centre in Chibolya Township last weekend, proved extremely successful, with a total of 1 100 animals vaccinated.

In a press release made available to the Aafrica Interactive Media (AIM), Lusaka Animal Welfare Society (LAWS) in cooperation with Lusaka City Council and the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, the free rabies clinic attracted hundreds of local residents from Chibolya, Kanyama and John Laing Townships.

Over the four-day clinic, LAWS recorded 1070 dogs and 30 cats vaccinated against rabies. A few animals that were very sick were taken to a veterinarian, where they were treated and given medical assistance.

“The response from residents was astonishing,” said LAWS chairperson Caroline Pearce. “People turned up in their hundreds, most of which were little children, carrying their puppies, showing how much they care for their animals.”

Rabies is a deadly virus caused by the saliva of infected animals, especially dogs. Rabies causes fever, headache, paralysis and mental confusion. There is no treatment or cure for rabies and infection is almost always fatal. Unfortunately, rabies has been on the rise in the Lusaka area in recent times, including an incident in Chongwe where dozens of people were bitten by an infected dog.

Upon recognizing the increase of rabies cases, within the city of Lusaka over the past few months, this exercise was organized by LCC acting Pest Control Superintendent - Christopher Mulenga, Head District Veterinarian of Lusaka - Dr Magula Chikondo and Lusaka Animal Welfare Society.

If you have not vaccinated your pets, please go to your local veterinary clinic to vaccinate immediately. Vaccinating your pets is the only way to prevent rabies both in animals and humans. It is a very small cost compared to the price of your loved ones’ life!