World Rabies Day talk show for public education

Jakarta (23/9/2021) - In the series of annual commemoration of World Rabies Day every September 28, the Ministry of Agriculture through the Public Relations and Public Information Bureau and  Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health Services held a "Tani On Stage" talk show for public education with the theme of “Facts on responding and eliminating rabies; and strategies to tackle misinformation on rabies in rural areas”. It was broadcasted live through the Ministry of Agriculture’s Instagram channel  which has been attracting more than 4,000 viewers. This talk show is supported by FAO Emergency Centre for Traffic Animal Diseases (ECTAD) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through their Global Health Security Programme.

It featured three speakers, namely Pebi Purwo Suseno (Medic Veterinary Expert, Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health Services), Wiwin Aprianti (Head of Animal Health, at the Fisheries and Livestock Services Agency, West Bandung Regency) and Irfan Hakim (Animal-loving influencer).

Pebi Purwo Suseno explained that 95% of rabies cases occur from animal to animal, but the rabies virus can also be transmitted from animals to humans through bites. It can be a bite by an infected dog, a monkey or even a cat. He further adds that statistically 98% of rabies cases are transmitted through dog bites and the remaining 2% are transmitted through cats and monkeys.

"Rabies virus enters the human body through bite wounds from infected animals or wounds exposed to animal saliva. The rabies virus attacks the nerves and brain which can lead to deaths," said Suseno.

He also added that from 34 provinces in Indonesia, only 8 provinces are free of rabies, leaving the other 26 remain endemic for rabies. DKI Jakarta, Riau Islands, Bangka Belitung, Central Java, East Java, Papua, West Papua and Yogyakarta are provinces free from rabies.

Subsequently, Wiwin Aprianti hoped that this talk show can motivate all related institutions in preventing and tackling rabies, especially in rural areas where 80% of human rabies cases occur.

"Let's prevent and control rabies by bringing animals to be vaccinated at the nearest Animal Health Center (Puskeswan). It is free and will be the most effective prevention," said Aprianti.

She also conveyed several important steps, such as if an animal is suspected of having rabies, it needs supervision under the veterinary team. If a human has already been bitten, immediately wash the bite wound using running water and soap for 15 minutes and immediately ask for help to the nearest health centers.

Meanwhile, Irfan Hakim wished that education about rabies will continue to be carried out regularly to the public, especially to animal owners who may be infected with rabies.

"By bringing domestic animals to be vaccinated regularly at the nearest Animal Health Centers, we have protected families and communities from the threat of disease," Irfan said to animal lovers and owners who view the live broadcast.

In his remarks, Dr. Luuk Schoonman, Team Leader of the FAO ECTAD in Indonesia said, “The Government of Indonesia has made various efforts to control rabies, such as mass dog vaccination, Integrated Bite Case Management (TAKGIT) using a One Health approach; and public education with support from international partners, such as FAO ECTAD, WHO and USAID.”

Meanwhile, David Stanton, Deputy Director of the Health Office of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Indonesia reminded in his virtual remarks, “We remain alert to the dangers of rabies and do not be careless because of myths and misinformation. Viruses and diseases are always present and preventable, and we must be prepared to deal with them. For rabies, that means vaccinating animals.”

Alongside this talk show, FAO and USAID are holding several activities with the Government of Indonesia to commemorate the World Rabies Day, such as a webinar on Integrated Bite Case Management (TAKGIT) and zoonotic information system (SIZE); and public lectures at the Padjadjaran University and South Sulawesi provincial government office.