PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - When it comes to protecting the health of animals, vaccination stands out as one of the most crucial and effective preventive measures available, says Dr Michelle Enslin, regional product manager; pets at pharmaceutical manufacturer Boehringer Ingelheim.
Enslin says the importance of animal vaccination extends beyond individual pet health, as it is crucial in addressing and managing public health concerns on a large scale.
'Rabies epidemic'
"In South Africa, we are currently experiencing a rabies epidemic, largely attributed to insufficient vaccination coverage in the canine population.
"Research indicates that achieving a 70% vaccination rate in a given area's canine population could lead to the complete elimination of this deadly disease.
"This proactive approach to animal health management has proven to be particularly vital in regions where deadly diseases remain prevalent," said Enslin.
Death risk reduced
A study in 2017 showed that canine rabies vaccination reduced the risk of death from any cause by 56% in dogs aged 0-3 months, by 44% in dogs aged 4-11 months and by 16% in dogs older than a year.
Limited access
Enslin said, however, that a major roadblock is the lack of access to vaccines in certain areas. While veterinary clinics in major cities provide ready access to vaccines, rural and impoverished communities often face limited access to primary animal healthcare, including vital vaccination services.
"This disparity highlights the need for continued efforts to expand veterinary services and vaccine accessibility across all communities," says Enslin.
Supplied by Garden Route District Municipality Media
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