TDT | Manama
Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com
Report by Zahra Ayaz
Bahrain is facing an increase in attacks by stray dogs, and residents are concerned about the availability of rabies vaccines.
Surprisingly, there is currently no rabies vaccine available in the country, forcing victims to seek treatment overseas. In a recent incident reported by the Daily Tribune, the victim of a stray dog attack had to travel all the way to Saudi Arabia to receive a much-needed rabies vaccine.
This situation has raised questions among the public as to why Bahraini authorities are not addressing this problem, especially considering the presence of large numbers of stray dogs in residential areas such as Salmaniyah, Ghudaibiya, Houla, Manama, Zinji, Adriya and Muharraq. It is caused by
The last case of rabies in animals was reported in Bahrain in 1962, according to a self-reported report submitted by Dr. Fajer Al Salloum, Director of Animal Welfare. “Bahrain’s veterinary authorities are well-established and have extensive registration, notification, and animal disease surveillance activities.”
Despite the island nation’s small size and low livestock density, these activities have been carried out efficiently with state funding and supervision. “Until 2015, animal treatment, prophylaxis and vaccination were provided free of charge.
However, while treatment has since been privatized, vaccination and hygiene activities for all animals, including pets, continued to be state-funded. Dogs and cats must be registered and vaccinated annually, and strict quarantine measures must be taken for all animals when traveling abroad. ”
There are no wild carnivores
Dr Fajel’s report states that there are no confirmed wild carnivores in Bahrain, except for a small number of animals kept on private property or in zoos under the supervision of veterinary authorities. Notably, rabies has never been reported at these facilities or zoos.
For the past 30 years, Bahrain has implemented an effective program of passive rabies surveillance.
The program includes rabies vaccine titer testing of all imported and exported pets, testing of dogs and cats for rabies virus using rapid antigen tests, documentation of suspicious signs by private veterinary hospitals, and coordination between the Ministry of Health and veterinary authorities. includes maintaining effective communication. In case of incidental contact between animals and humans with potential rabies risk, through the National Commission on Zoonotic Diseases.
program
Despite these measures, the lack of available rabies vaccines in Bahrain is causing major concern. The veterinary authorities’ program includes mandatory microchipping and registration, regular rabies vaccinations using inactivated vaccines, and strict import and export measures.
However, the current situation has revealed gaps in the availability of essential vaccines, leaving victims of stray dog attacks with no choice but to travel abroad for treatment. Residents are now calling on authorities to quickly address this pressing issue and take the necessary steps to ensure rabies vaccine availability in the country.
Due to the increasing number of stray dogs and the potential risk to public health, immediate action is needed to protect the welfare of Bahraini residents and prevent further rabies incidents.