The services of the new Rabies Response and Control Unit were launched in the Emergency Department of the Mohammed Al-Qassab Institute of Orthopedics, as part of national efforts to harness all available resources to fight this disease. Further, a vaccination centre was installed both at the Al-Qassab Institute and at the local hospital in Tebourba. These centres are tasked with administering vaccinations and providing essential assistance in the fight against rabies.
While the region has not reported any human cases of rabies, it has registered seven animal cases since the start of the year, including five dogs, a cow, and a wild jackal in Mornaguia. In reaction, the Delegation for Agricultural Development has intensified vaccination efforts in the region and launched campaigns to raise public awareness about the dangers of rabies.
There has also been a significant increase in the demand for free animal vaccinations in recent days. This year, 7,775 dogs belonging to 3,235 citizens, and more than 3,000 cats belonging to 1,631 citizens, have been vaccinated according to data obtained from the TAP Agency, sourced from the Animal Production Directorate of the Regional Commission for Agricultural Development of Manouba.
Permanent animal vaccination points continue to work, stationed across seven sub-directorates of animal production under the Regional Commission for Agricultural Development in the delegations of Manouba and Douar Hicher. These points are overseen by seven veterinarians from the region, with support from their technical assistants, to carry out vaccinations and educate citizens. The demand for their services has surged in recent days.
In parallel, and in cooperation with the Regional Health Directorate, a campaign to raise public awareness about rabies prevention has been launched, including a vaccination point for domestic dogs and cats in the Chabaw area of Oued Ellil. The awareness campaign will continue in the coming stage, alongside the launch of an exceptional field vaccination campaign by the Animal Production Department, targeting all regions of the governorate.
The Regional Health Administration and its affiliated health services have also initiated awareness campaigns targeting medical and paramedical staff. These campaigns began at the Manouba Basic Health Center, the El Jadida Intermediate Center, the School Medicine Center of Manouba, the Emergency Department of Qassab, the Basic Health Center in the Khaled Ibn al-Walid district, and the Intermediate Center of Mornaguia.