Grenada Govt focuses on Rabies awareness, prevention

Saint George’s, Grenada: The government of Grenada has shared social media post emphasising Rabies Awareness and Prevention. As per the official update, the Veterinary and Livestock Division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Fisheries and Co-operatives is advising the public of the clinical signs of rabies in domestic animals (dogs and cats) and food animals (sheep, goats, and cattle).

The Veterinary Department has advised the immediate actions to be taken in the likely event of exposure to an infected animal. The healthcare department has further shared information like a fact sheet, signs, symptoms, as well as preventative measures, which are as follows:

Fact Sheet:
i. Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease. It can spread to humans and pets if they are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal, that is, an animal infected with the rabies virus.
ii. In Grenada, the rabies virus is mainly carried by the mongoose.
iii. Rabies affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) in humans and can ultimately lead to death.

Signs of infected animals
Animals infected with rabies may act strangely. They may be aggressive, try to bite you or other animals, or they may drool more than normal.

Humans can be exposed to Rabies through
• Bite by an infected animal.
• The contamination of an open wound by saliva, abrasions, scratches, and contaminated fomites of an infected animal.

What should you do if exposed?
• Wash wounds immediately with soap and water.
• Visit your doctor or nearest health clinic or hospital immediately.

Preventative measures for animal owners
Anti-rabies vaccination of domestic and food animals utilising your local rabies vaccination program.