An organisation dubbed Riffle Effects has initiated a vaccination campaign against rabies in Homa Bay aimed at eradicating rabies in domestic animals.

The campaign that was launched Friday in Kanyamwa Kosewe Ward within Ndhiwa constituency to end the spread of the disease saw animals, including donkeys, dogs, cows, and cats, among others, receiving the vaccine.

Addressing journalists, Veterinary Officer at Ripple Effect, Peter Ng’ielo, said vaccinating animals is important to ensure they are in perfect health to prevent deaths.

‘According to health statistics, at least one person dies from the rabies virus every 15 minutes globally, a situation that may even worsen should people fail to take their domestic animals for vaccination,’ he noted.

He added that vaccinating dogs is important and the most effective way of controlling the disease in the human population.

Ng’ielo said the campaign came at the right time since most people were unaware of the importance of vaccination against rabies, adding, ‘That is why they have been losing their animals.’

Homa Hay County Chief Officer in Charge of Livestock, Bernard Okoth Omwanda, said the county government will partner with the organisation to ensure that domestic animals across the county are vaccinated.

Omwanda promised to conduct a sensitization exercise that is aimed at informing the residents on the benefits of vaccinating dogs.

Source: Kenya News Agency