Takoradi: The Western Regional Directorate of the Veterinary Services has reported three fatalities due to dog bites resulting in rabies in the first half of the year. Two of these tragic incidents occurred in the Wassa East District, while the third was recorded in the Jomoro Municipality. Dr. Simon Gbene, the Western Regional Director of the Service, shared these details during an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Takoradi.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Gbene urged dog owners to ensure their pets are vaccinated at the nearest service center to avoid legal ramifications. He emphasized the importance of vaccination, stating, "We have enough vaccines, what is left is the individual bringing their pets for vaccination.that is the dog licensing, you cannot own a dog without yearly vaccinating that animal which may pose a threat to lives in the neighborhood or community."
Dr. Gbene also mentioned that the service has implemented punitive measures through various assemblies to enforce compliance. He highlighted the global issue of dog bites, noting that approximately 70,000 children worldwide suffer or die from such incidents each year, a situation he finds deeply concerning. He stressed that rabies deaths are preventable if individuals bitten by dogs seek immediate medical attention rather than staying at home or accepting money from the dog owner without accessing appropriate care, as the rabies virus can remain dormant in the human body for up to two years.
Furthermore, Dr. Gbene called on various district assemblies to support the Veterinary Services by either paying for or subsidizing vaccination services within communities to ensure broader compliance and prevent future incidents.