Approximately 95% of human rabies infections result from dog bites, underscoring the necessity of dog vaccination in Sri Lanka’s strategy to eliminate rabies, according to the Association of Veterinarians for Humane Management of Animal Population (AVHMAP). Dr. Chamith Nanayakkara, the AVHMAP Convener, stated to The Daily Morning on October 4 that relying solely on post-bite vaccinations for humans will not eradicate rabies, as the virus would persist in the dog population.
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To meet the worldwide goal of eliminating rabies by 2030, Sri Lanka must focus on eradicating the virus among dogs. Dr. Nanayakkara emphasized that without eliminating the rabies virus in dogs, the cycle of dog bites and subsequent vaccinations for humans would continue. He proposed that veterinarians should oversee the dog vaccination process, utilizing their training in animal health.
The newly introduced Rabies Elimination and Dog Registration Bill allows dog vaccinations to be conducted by a veterinary surgeon or under their supervision. Dr. Nanayakkara noted the law is set to be implemented by 2027, following a year-and-a-half development period aligning with international standards.
In Sri Lanka, there are 337 veterinary offices and approximately 600 government veterinarians, with a total of over 1,000 veterinarians active in both government and private sectors. Dr. Nanayakkara mentioned a minor shortfall of about 20 veterinarians in government, with plans to involve private veterinarians to address this issue. Local authorities can engage private veterinary surgeons when a government veterinarian is unavailable.
The program, spanning three years, will also include dog sterilization to manage the dog population, with the expectation that private-sector veterinarians will assist with vaccination and sterilization efforts. He highlighted the importance of registering and vaccinating owned dogs while emphasizing the local authorities' responsibility for stray dogs.
Training for vaccinators has commenced, with 50 individuals trained in the North Central Province, and plans aiming to eventually train 1,000 vaccinators, starting with an initial target of 100. Dr. Nanayakkara mentioned that about 250 current vaccinators from the Health Ministry might also participate, and staff from the Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH) who already vaccinate cattle could receive training to vaccinate dogs. Attempts to reach the Secretary to the Health Ministry for further comments were unsuccessful.