Barriers to Pet Vaccination Against Rabies in Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District, 2024
Abstract:
The issue of low rabies vaccination coverage for pets (specifically dogs and cats) in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District presents a significant public health challenge. Rabies is a deadly viral disease that primarily affects animals and can be transmitted to humans through bites, scratches, or exposure to infected saliva. In areas with inadequate vaccination coverage, the risk of rabies transmission increases, leading to both animal and human fatalities.
Introduction: Rabies is a fatal zoonotic disease predominantly transmitted through bites from rabid animals, with domestic dogs accounting for the majority of cases. Vaccination is considered one of the most important measures for preventing human and animal infectious diseases. Despite the availability of effective anti-rabies vaccines, the pet vaccination rates in Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District (STKD) remain suboptimal. This study determined the factors contributing to low vaccination coverage among pets using the problem analysis approach.
Methods: A problem analysis was conducted in October 2024 in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District. We interviewed Veterinary officers on the possible factors affecting pet vaccination for rabies in the district. We also reviewed data from monthly reports, field notebooks, and movement permit books. Fishbone analysis was employed to identify and categorize the contributing factors affecting vaccination efforts. The level of control was assigned over each factor as totally within control (T), partially within control (P) and not within control (N).
Results: Pet owners’ beliefs about vaccination in the district, Visibility of veterinary office, Inadequate motorbikes to access remote communities, Inadequate fuel allowance to carry out vaccination exercises, Lack of fridge for storage of vaccines, and high cost of anti-rabies vaccines were identified as root causes. The critical cause identified was the inadequate knowledge of rabies by farmers.
Conclusion: This study revealed important barriers to pet vaccination against rabies in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District, including inadequate knowledge among farmers and logistical challenges such as limited access to remote areas and insufficient resources. Addressing the knowledge gap among farmers is essential for improving vaccination coverage and effectively reducing the risk of rabies transmission in the community.
