Pets vaccinated against rabies

By Titus Too

NANDI, KENYA: Over 1,300 pets have been vaccinated against rabies by a global pharmaceutical organisation at a cost of Sh30 million in Nandi Central District.

The vaccination project aims at curbing the risk of rabies infections caused by canine bites.

In the drive launched at the weekend, 1,145 dogs, 200 cats and 25 donkeys had been vaccinated against the disease.

The project dubbed ‘Sharon LIVE ON’, was initiated by a former Iowa State University (ISU) athletic coach, Bill Bergen, after Sharon Jupchumba, 8, died of rabies following a dog bite in Nandi.

Sharon was a daughter of former athlete and ISU alumni, Mr Barnabas Korir, who is the current Nairobi branch AK chairman and Director of Golazo Kenya.

Two ISU alumni, Dr Brian Darrow and Dr Ron Tapper and veterinary officers from Nandi Central District jointly supervised the vaccination.

Free of charge

Darrow said Merck International has unveiled 90,000 anti-rabies dozes and that dogs, cats and donkeys will be vaccinated free of charge.

“Merck International donated the vaccines and we are working in conjunction with the Government to ensure owners of dogs, cats and donkeys present them for free vaccination in Nandi County,” said Darrow.

During the launch at Sironoi area in Nandi Central, Darrow said Merck International gave the generous donation, adding the drive would be expanded to neighbouring districts next year.

He said the drive will go on for the next 21 days and appealed to residents to present their pets to ensure the region is free of rabies.

“Rabies is a killer disease and there is need for public awareness. Ninety-five per cent of infections are transmitted through dog bites. If 70 per cent of dogs are vaccinated, transmission will be reduced by over 90 per cent,” said Darrow.

Dr David Lagat, the Nandi South District Veterinary Officer who officiated at the launch, said the programme would be rolled out to cover all divisions in Nandi County.

Korir said Sharon’s loss in 2004 was devastating and said the vaccination would ensure other families do not suffer the same fate.

Coach Bergen said the project has been a success because of athletes who saw the need to initiate and work on it.