Rabies Disease Confirmed as Zoonotic by Veterinary Officer

The Ashanti Regional Veterinary Officer, Dr. Mabel Abudu, has disclosed that rabies is a neglected zoonotic disease caused by a virus. She noted that the disease has reached alarming levels in African and Asian countries due to governments’ failure to prioritize effective solutions.

Speaking in an interview with Opemsuo FM on September 24, 2025, to mark the 19th World Rabies Day, she explained that this year’s theme, “Act Now: You, Me, Community,” emphasizes collective action to eliminate rabies through vaccination, awareness creation, and timely treatment.

She stressed that rabies can easily be transmitted from infected animals to humans once the virus takes over the animal’s body.

She highlighted some symptoms that may indicate rabies in animals, such as unusual behaviour and increased aggression, including biting.

“If your dog contracts rabies, lock it in a cage and report immediately to a veterinary officer for proper care before it escalates into biting and spreading the disease to humans.”

Dr. Abudu revealed that, according to global annual reports, more than 70,000 people die from rabies each year, with an average of 144 daily deaths worldwide. This, she said, demonstrates the severe impact of the disease and the urgent need for public education.

“Every nine minutes, rabies claims another life, yet death is 100% preventable. Eliminating this disease depends on all of us acting together—starting now.”

The veterinary officer confirmed that vaccines are available to prevent rabies transmission from animals to humans. She stressed that acting promptly is often the difference between life and death. As a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD), rabies disproportionately affects underserved communities, especially in Africa and Asia.

She further urged the public to take precautionary measures if bitten by a suspected rabid dog, such as washing the wound thoroughly with soap and water before seeking urgent medical attention at a hospital.

Adding to her remarks, Dr. Abraham Ofori, a Veterinary Technologist at the Kumasi Metro, explained that rabies does not only affect dogs but also other warm-blooded animals like cats, cows, and monkeys. He stated that infected dogs spread the virus primarily through bites.

He cautioned, “Pet owners must provide their animals with proper nutrition, safe shelter, and regular veterinary check-ups, as rabies is a deadly but preventable disease.”

STORY BY BARBARA M. A. AMOAH