Ms. Lorna Odero, Director of Administration, State Department of Livestock

The Kenya Veterinary Association in partnership with several stakeholders joined the rest of the world in the efforts to prevent and where possible to eliminate rabies from the Kenya population by celebrating in a series of events in Mombasa County. This year World Rabies Day celebrations took place on the coastal city of Mombasa, on 27th and 28th September 2016 under the theme, “Educate, Vaccinate, Eliminate.”

The events started with a Rabies scientific conference held at Sai Rock Hotel in Mombasa on 27th September 2016. Approximately 190 delegates attended the conference. The participants learned about the progress of National Rabies Control strategy implementation, responsible dog ownership, disconnect in the human and animal rabies control, trends in rabies research and surveillance, and policy environment in animal rabies control (program attached). The workshop was officially opened by Ms. Lorna Odero, Director of Administration, State Department of Livestock who read the speech of Principal Secretary, State Department of Livestock.  The workshop participants also had an opportunity to discuss the proposed amendments to the Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals act, Cap 366 by Kenya Veterinary Board.

Procession in Shanzu grounds along Mombasa- Malindi Highway

Rabies Field Day
The day started in the morning with a procession in Shanzu grounds along Mombasa- Malindi Highway which brought the highway to a standstill. The participants marched through the main Mombasa- Malindi highway with a procession band, banners and songs sensitizing the area residents of the need to eliminate rabies in the country. While this was happening, another core team of organizers were busy constituting teams and drugs and other necessary items for use in the field.

Afterwards, the participants congregated at Shanzu Mwembeni grounds where the team leaders were issued with necessary items for the vaccinations, deworming spay and neuter. Thereafter they departed to various sites. The main field activities of the day were mass vaccination of dogs and cats against rabies in 16 sites. This saw 2478 dogs and 193 cats vaccinated against rabies. Other activities were spay and neuter program which saw five dogs spayed and nine dogs castrated. All dogs and cats which were presented were dewormed and sick ones treated.

Dr. Kisa, DVS, vaccinating a dog against rabies

The guests made a tour in the main site where they witnessed all the activities which were in the main site. In the afternoon there was a public baraza in the main site (Shanzu grounds) graced by Ms. Lorna Odero, representative for Principal secretary, State Department of Livestock accompanied by Director of Veterinary Services .The speeches were done by KVB, KVA, DVS, Chief Officer of the Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of Mombasa County and the Chief Guest. 

Vaccination certificates were issued for all dogs and cats vaccinated and the same records kept in Rabies manifests. The ground team was left with some vaccines and other items to do mop up of the areas covered and also continue with the exercise in the larger county of Mombasa. 

Post Vaccination Survey
A post vaccination survey was done in the afternoon starting from 2pm by a selected team guided by the Washington State University (WSU) and the Zoonotic Disease Unit (ZDU). This was done in two centres which were Kashani Primary and Utange primary.

Vet of the Year Awards (VOYA)
VOYA awards ceremony took place on 28th September 2016 evening at Travelers beach resort. This event was graced by the CEC in charge of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Hon Anthony Njaramba. Other guests included Director of Veterinary Services, Representative of PS, SDL, Ms. Lorna Odero, and KVB chairman. Also visit the VOYA awardees page by clicking here  

Partnership and support
The events would not be a success without the support and partnership of various stakeholders including but not limited to;

• State Department of Livestock
• Directorate of Veterinary Services
• World Animal Protection
• Coopers Kenya
• Merial
• Ultravetis
• Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute (KEVEVAPI)
• OIE and European Union
• Brooke East Africa.
• Bayer East Africa
• County government of Mombasa
• Zoonotic Disease Unit

These events earned veterinarians and veterinary paraprofessionals a total of 10 CPD points . 

Challenges
Some few challenges were encountered including: 

• The ground planning for field day was generally satisfactory. However, a few shortcomings were noted including low turnout of dogs and cats than expected. 
• The working teams for vaccinations at 9:30 am against the planned departure time of 8.00 am majorly due to heavy morning rainfall. 

Conclusion
KVA participation and collaboration with other partners in such events goes a long way to achieve its objectives as an organization of the people on animal health matters and allied. KVA would like to thank all partners and stakeholders for the support and partnership in ensuring that this event was a success.