PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – The Trinidad and Tobago authorities says there was no latest enhance in circumstances of bat biting or rabies amongst animals within the nation.
“The general public is urged to stay vigilant and report any uncommon behaviour in animals, proof of bat bites, or suspected rabies circumstances instantly to the closest County Veterinary Workplace. Early detection and intervention are crucial in stopping the unfold of illness and safeguarding each animal and public well being,” the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries stated in a press release.
It said that incidents of bat biting have traditionally affected livestock in rural farming communities, the place nocturnal exercise by hematophagous bats, generally generally known as vampire bats, could happen.
“In Trinidad, vampire bats are the vector for rabies. There was no enhance in stories of suspected rabies circumstances throughout the animal inhabitants, and all suspected circumstances are promptly investigated and addressed,” the ministry stated.
It said that veterinary officers from the Ministry’s Animal Manufacturing and Well being Division and the Anti-Rabies Unit repeatedly monitor the nationwide rabies illness standing and reply promptly to stories of bat bites from farmers and different animal homeowners.
The ministry said that when circumstances are reported, affected people are supplied with Put up-Publicity Prophylaxis, a therapy to forestall rabies, in collaboration with the Veterinary Public Well being Division of the Ministry of Well being. Investigations are carried out in surrounding premises to find out whether or not bat biting is going on in different areas.
It said that the Anti-Rabies Unit guides bat-proofing residences and measures to forestall bat bites. Bats are trapped and safely eliminated, and additional management measures are carried out at close by roosts to handle the vampire bat inhabitants.
“All animals which were bitten or are in danger, together with different pets within the family or herd members of livestock, are vaccinated towards rabies. Ring vaccination actions are additionally carried out for all at-risk animals inside a 10-kilometre radius of any premises with suspected circumstances of rabies.
”The Ministry stays dedicated to making sure the well being and security of the nation’s livestock and inhabitants and urges full cooperation from the general public as prevention and management efforts proceed.”
