By Chantalé Fletcher
MORE Vampire bats in South Trinidad is causing the deaths of animals due to rabies.
Newly-appointed Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries Kazim Hosein says there is a routine rabies vaccination programme as well as an ongoing Vampire bat one.
This was in response to an Urgent Question from Independent Senator Dr Maria Dillon-Remy in the Senate on Tuesday.
Dr Dillon-Remy asked Hosein what measures are being taken to prevent the further spread of rabies to other regions of Trinidad and Tobago given the deaths of animals in Barrackpore.
Hosein said that Trinidad and Tobago has always had bat-transmitted rabies, stating that there has been an increased number of bats in the Southern region which has a direct correlation to the current outbreak.
He identified some steps which were currently being undertaken specific to the report received such as the vaccination of animals for rabies in Barrackpore and surrounding areas to assist those impacted and who may potentially be affected.
Hosein said, “The syncretization to farmers are ongoing on how to prevent the spread, working with the Ministry of Health to ensure any farmers or neighbouring residents that are at risk are vaccinated.
“Step-up Human Health Syncretization in collaboration with the Ministry of Health is currently investigating more effective measures of Vampire bat control including strengthening of the staff components and working arrangements for the anti-rabies unit for effective response.”
He added that the Vampire Bat programme, though focused on the Southern region, will be in place to deal with similar situations in other areas.
