April 18, 2023: The Veterinary and Livestock Division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Fisheries and Co-operatives is advising the public of the clinical signs of rabies in domestic animals (dogs and cats) and food animals (sheep, goats, and cattle).

The Veterinary Department is also advising of the immediate actions to be taken in the likely event of exposure to an infected animal.

FACT SHEET:

1. Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease. It can spread to humans and pets if they are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal, that is, an animal infected with the rabies virus.
2. In Grenada, the rabies virus is mainly carried by the mongoose.
3. Rabies affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) in humans and can ultimately lead to death.

SIGNS OF INFECTED ANIMALS

Animals infected with rabies may act strangely. They may be aggressive, try to bite you or other animals, or they may drool more than normal.

Humans can be Exposed to Rabies Through

• Bite by an infected animal.
• The contamination of an open wound by saliva, abrasions, scratches, contaminated fomites of an infected animal.

What should you do if exposed?

• Wash wounds immediately with soap and water.
• Visit your doctor or nearest health clinic or the hospital immediately.

PREVENTATIVE MEASURES FOR ANIMAL OWNERS

Anti-rabies vaccination of domestic and food animals utilising your local rabies vaccination program.

NB: Should domestic or food animals show signs of rabies, contact a veterinary doctor or the Veterinary and Livestock Division in the Ministry of Agriculture on Telephone # 440 2708.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE VETERINARY AND LIVESTOCK DIVISION OF THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND LANDS, FISHERIES AND CO-OPERATIVES.

Ministry of Agriculture and Land, Fisheries and Cooperatives…ensuring food and nutrition security.