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WVS leads Asia’s largest rabies drive
"This achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our incredible team." – Luke Gamble
229,488 dogs were vaccinated in two weeks.

UK-based charity Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS) is celebrating the success of its Mission Rabies vaccination project in Cambodia, with 229,488 dogs vaccinated in just two weeks.

The intensive campaign, which WVS has led in collaboration with Animal Rescue Cambodia and the General Directorate of Animal Health and Production, is Asia’s largest rabies vaccination effort.

WVS’ mass drive took place from 21 October to 4 November, integrating with Cambodia’s National Strategic Plan for Rabies Control and Elimination. It saw around 300 vaccination teams work across the provinces of Phnom Penh, Kandal and Battambang.

Vaccination teams travelled door-to-door to administer vaccines in designated areas. A rabies app was used to organise the teams, input information on the dogs and monitor the success of the project.

This year’s campaign follows work in 2023, where 74,983 dogs were vaccinated in Phnom Penh and Kandal – the first rabies vaccination campaign of this scale in Cambodia.

Rabies is a zoonotic disease which can affect both humans and dogs, with most cases spread by dog bites. Where post-exposure prophylaxis is not sought by the victim of a dog bite and clinical symptoms manifest, the disease is usually fatal. Children under 15 years of age are at most risk, accounting for 40 per cent of global deaths.

Mission Rabies has the goal of vaccinating 70 per cent of the global canine population – the coverage needed to eliminate the disease in dogs. Currently, Cambodia records one of the highest rabies death rates per capita of any country in the world.

WVS first started Mission Rabies in 2013, beginning work in Cambodia in 2019. The project began with a pilot vaccination campaign and an education programme.

Since then, its rabies hotline has allowed members of the public to report sightings of rabid dogs and seek support for rabies emergencies. WVS’ 24-hour surveillance team responds to reports and provides treatment to those exposed to rabies through dog bites.

Luke Gamble, CEO and founder of WVS, said: “When we launched Mission Rabies in 2013, our goal was ambitious – to vaccinate 60,000 dogs in 30 days. Many thought it couldn’t be done, but we managed 64,000.

“Ten years later, we’ve just completed our second year in Cambodia, where, remarkably, we vaccinated over 82,000 dogs by day four alone.

“This achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our incredible team and a tribute to the veterinary profession, with vets and nurses from around the world pouring their energy into making a profound impact. It’s no exaggeration to say this campaign will prevent around 500 children from dying of rabies over the next few years.”

Image © WVS

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Antibiotic Amnesty survey opens

News Story 1
 The Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance - Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA - CA&E) has launched a survey which seeks to measure the success of this year's Antibiotic Amnesty campaign.

Its results will help the group to calculate how many unused or out-of-date antibiotics were returned as part of the campaign throughout November. Practices are also asked how they engaged with clients to raise awareness of the issue.

Participating practices can enter a prize draw to win up to 100 in vouchers for taking part. Further prizes from BSAVA and Webinar Vet will be available for practices with the best input.

The survey takes a few minutes to complete and will be running throughout December. It can be accessed via this link

Click here for more...
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Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.