The Ghana Veterinary Service has reported two fatalities due to rabies in the Ashanti Region this year.

These tragic deaths occurred within the Sekyere Afram Plains and Atwima Nwabiagya South districts.

Globally, research indicates that 95 percent of the estimated 55,000 rabies cases are concentrated in Africa and Asia.

The veterinary service has expressed alarm over the disregard for regular pet immunization among pet owners. Many individuals underestimate the severity of rabies, which has a 100% fatality rate.

Dr. Mabel Abudu, the Ashanti regional director of the Ghana Veterinary Service, emphasized the importance of pet owners taking immunization seriously.

She recounted that two deaths occurred in the Ashanti Region earlier in the year, in Sekyere Afram Plains and Atwima Nwabiagya South districts. Unfortunately, these individuals succumbed to rabies after being bitten by dogs, as they did not seek timely medical attention.

Dr. Abudu highlighted the significance of a coordinated approach involving the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the veterinary service to combat rabies. She emphasized that rabies is 100 percent vaccine-preventable in both humans and animals. In cases of dog bites, immediate medical attention is crucial, as antibiotics cannot treat rabies.

The veterinary service has called upon the government to provide support for organizing annual mass immunization campaigns. This initiative aims to achieve a 70% immunity rate against rabies in the country by 2030.