What should be done to protect animals and humans against rabies?

Over the past 10 years, 59 people in Laos have died after contracting rabies, which is a viral disease transmitted through animals such as dogs, cats, monkeys, rodents, squirrels and bats. A bite from an infected animal can pass on rabies to humans. The virus is often fatal but can be prevented by a vaccine and everyone should ensure their dogs and cats are vaccinated. Vientiane Times asked around for people’s thoughts on protection against rabies. 

Ms Chantha Nidmaniphon, a resident of Luang Prabang: It’s quite difficult to treat animals when they get sick because we don’t have a vet near my village. But I agree it’s good to have animals vaccinated
to protect them and us against disease. Unfortunately, I think a
lot of people don’t understand the importance of vaccinations
and another problem is that the cost is quite high because most
animal clinics are privately owned. The authorities should provide vaccinations whenever there is an outbreak of disease to stop it spreading. They should also advise pet owners how to protect their animals against disease and people should certainly
get their animals vaccinated.    
 
Mr Pod, a government official in Saravan province: An animal that has rabies is a danger to humans because it can transmit the virus if it bites someone. Although rabies vaccinations are available, some pets, especially dogs, contract rabies and can then pass it on to humans. I think most pet owners don’t fully understand the effects of rabies and so they don’t bother to get their animals vaccinated. Another problem is that there aren’t many vets. Many have received some training but they aren’t qualified veterinarians. So it’s quite hard to fight an outbreak of disease and provide proper treatment for sick animals. I think the authorities should give more advice to communities about ways to prevent diseases, and about ways to treat animals to reduce infection. The media should also provide more information so that the dangers of disease are better understood.
 
Ms Mee, a resident of Xaysettha district, Vientiane: I love dogs and I own several. Yes, I know about rabies and it’s very scary but I’m not worried about my pets. I take them to a vet to get them vaccinated. I urge all pet owners to think carefully about the prevention of rabies and other diseases. It’s important to ensure our pets are healthy. Rabies is a serious matter for both humans and pets because this virus is potentially fatal and unfortunately most pets aren’t vaccinated.
 
Mr Phouthone, a government official in Xaythany district, Vientiane: Some dogs in my village died from rabies some time ago. I think it was because their owners hadn’t vaccinated them against rabies. Everyone should do more to protect their pets and take them to a vet to be vaccinated. And the authorities should actively advise the public about ways to prevent rabies and other diseases.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update September 28, 2022)