The MINEPIA regional delegation for the Centre hosted the festivities on 28 September 2022.

Around half a thousand dogs and cats were on hand to celebrate the 16th edition of the fight against rabies on 28 September 2022. Veterinarians were on hand, including the Minister for Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries, Dr Taïga. He himself vaccinated a number of dogs at the regional delegation’s veterinary clinic, before handing over to the other vets on site. Each dog received one dose of rabies vaccine to combat this disease, which is transmitted from animals to humans. In his speech, MINEPIA urged pet owners to have their animals vaccinated. A message that should be addressed to all owners of dogs, cats and primates in Cameroon.

Once again this year, the international community is raising awareness to reduce the effects of this zoonosis, which causes around 70,000 deaths a year worldwide, including 21,000 in Africa. “Rabies: one health, zero death”. This theme framed the proceedings that followed the official ceremony in Yaoundé on 28 September. The Department of Veterinary Services reviewed the situation of this disease in Cameroon. Among the 4,000 dog bites recorded, some cases of rabies have been detected.

As in Yaoundé, celebrations of this kind took place on the same day in the ten MINEPIA regional delegations.

Perin Melchior NZIE