Dr Joseph Nkhoma, Veterinary Surgeon
One of the country’s veterinary surgeons, Dr Joseph Nkhoma, has urged the public to ensure their dogs receive rabies vaccines from qualified veterinary professionals.
He points out that unqualified individuals administer faulty vaccines.
The sentiments come as Malawi today joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Veterinary Day, which is aimed at marking the important work of veterinary doctors in improving animal welfare.
Dr Nkhoma said there is a high number of unqualified people who masquerade as veterinary doctors and administer rabies vaccines which give dog owners a false sense of protection from dog rabies.
Dr Nkhoma further said people who get bitten by dogs, cats, or wild animals should go to the veterinary office in their locality to obtain a recommendation letter to receive rabies post-exposure vaccination for protection.
According to the Ministry of Health, Malawi records about 500 deaths from rabies.
This year alone, 30 rabies cases were reported in Blantyre and Zomba.
Rabies signs in dogs include unprovoked biting of people, excessive salivation, strange barking, and paralysis.
By Alufisha Fischer
