Emergency rabies vaccination campaign after tragic death

Emergency Rabies Vaccination Campaign in Meru District, Tanzania

Following notification of the tragic news of a human rabies fatality in Ngarenayuki ward, the Mbwa Wa Africa Animal Rescue team has been working collaboratively to undertake an emergency vaccination campaign. This is a ward in Tanzania the Mbwa Wa Africa Animal Rescue team hasn’t worked in yet, but with ongoing rabies cases confirmed in dogs and livestock, urgent action was required. After a meeting with key individuals in the District, it was agreed that a ring vaccination was needed to prevent further cases.

Working across Uwiro and Ngarenayuki wards this past weekend (7 & 8 Aug), in just 2 days, 779 dogs and 3 cats were vaccinated.

A huge thank you is due to Deo Kimaro, the local livestock officer who organised the vaccination stations and liaised with village leaders to announce the campaign to local villagers.

Funding Shortage
Being short on funding, support was provided by the Meru District Council and Arusha National Park who both provided a vehicle for transport, one of the major expenses during these campaigns. Gratitude is also due to Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA), which granted a free transit pass so the National Park could be crossed by the volunteers, allowing them to reach the vaccination areas much faster.

Four Steps to Freedom provided emergency funding for the campaign and Mission Rabies the epidemiology support and the vaccines.

Once again, this incredibly sad incident shows how important it is to vaccinate dogs against rabies.

Emergency Vaccination Campaign

779 dogs and 3 cats were vaccinated across the weekend of the emergency campaign, helping to save the lives of both humans and animals.

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