Veterinary Services Department Commences Free Mass Rabies Vaccination Campaign

The Veterinary Services Department of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture has commenced the free vaccination of 25,000 dogs and cats in identified high-risk areas nationwide.

According to the Department, the campaign supports Ghana’s commitment to achieving zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030 and forms part of activities for World Rabies Month 2025, under the theme “Stronger Together.”

The Department stated that vaccination will be free throughout September 2026, after which the prescribed fees will apply.

It added that public education will be intensified through schools, religious institutions, traditional and social media, and community engagement.

Educational videos and audio messages in Twi, Ga, Ewe and Hausa will also be shared widely.

All pet owners have been urged to vaccinate their dogs and cats against rabies every year, report any animal bite or scratch immediately to the nearest health facility, and report the animal involved to the nearest veterinary centre.

The Department emphasised that rabies is virtually 100 per cent fatal once symptoms develop, but is preventable through vaccination, warning that failure to vaccinate a pet may constitute an offence under applicable MMDA bye-laws.

It further called on Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, civil society organisations, religious and traditional authorities, development partners and the private sector to support the campaign through the provision of vaccines, logistics, public education and community mobilisation.

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