Apparently dogs aren’t the only animals that can transmit rabies in West Sumatra. Cats can also spread the disease to humans. Cats can pass on rabies through its saliva when biting and scratching. Therefore, residents are asked to watch out for their pets.

Head of Animal Health and Veterinary Public Health Division of West Sumatra Province Livestock Services, M. Kamil elaborated that dogs with rabies can be recognized through their suddenly aggressive behavior and excessive salivation. However cats with rabies can seem calmer, seek solitude, and not recognize its owner.

“Usually these cats which avoid company will attack if disturbed. Cats usually attack by scratching those it perceives at threats. Whoever is scratched by a rabid cat can contract rabies,” said Kamil on Monday (28/9).

Kamil recommends vaccination to prevent animals from developing rabies. The first vaccination should be at 3 months and then repeated annually.

Therefore, pet-owning residents, both dogs and cats, should vaccinate their animals regularly. Vaccines are available at Animal Health Centers (Puskeswan). “If you love your pets, I urge you to vaccinate,” Kamil said.

Data from West Sumatra Province Livestock and Animal Health Services shows there were 72 animals confirmed positive for rabies from January to August 2015. Among those animals were 65 dogs and 7 of cats, monkeys, or civets. Although the number of rabid cats is low, care should still be taken because many people in West Sumatra own and like cats.

Previously, West Sumatra Province Health Services reported there were 5 human rabies fatalities from 2,601 animal bite cases in the province. Therefore, the people of West Sumatra should always be cautious of rabies. Head of the Disease Mitigation and Environmental Health Division of the Health Services, dr. Irene, said the 5 human fatalities came from the following districts: South Pesisir (2 patients), Solok (2 patients), and Sijunjung (1 patient). “The cases occurred between January and August 2015,” said Irene.

Irene said West Sumatra is a rabies endemic province with an alarming number of cases. Therefore, people need to increase preventive efforts and awareness to avoid contracting rabies. Rabies cases was said to be dominantly found in children. Over 50% of rabies cases occurred in children and more than 95% of human rabies resulted from dog bites.

One measure that can be taken to prevent rabies is pet vaccination, because vaccination of over 70% of animals can prevent cases in humans.

To commemorate World Rabies Day which occurred on the 28^th of September, West Sumatra Province Livestock and Animal Health Services will hold a coordination meeting with other related institutes. The meeting will be conducted on September 30, 2015, and talk about rabies management.

“We also advise residents with pets like dogs, cats and monkeys to vaccinate their animals. Meanwhile, we will discipline the feral dog population,” said Kamil. (da)

Source: Pos Metro Padang