Peru is one of the leading countries in eliminating canine rabies. However, the disease is a clear threat in the world because the population of dogs is increasing, so prevention and education are key to avoid a public health problem, said the Center for Technological, Biomedical and Environmental Research (CITBM).
“Rabies is a severe, and often fatal, viral polioencephalitis that specifically affects the gray matter of the dog’s brain and its central nervous system (CNS)”, according to Pet Md.
Once the virus is in the dog’s body it replicates in the muscles cells and then spreads to the closest nerve fibers. Also, since it has zoonotic characteristics, it can be transmitted to humans.
Specialist Sergio Recuenco of the CITBM pointed out that rabies continues to be a challenge for public health, according to information from El Peruano.
“Canine rabies is endemic in the south, in the departments of Puno and Arequipa, because Bolivia – a country bordering Peru – has not been able to eradicate it; while the wild rage is in the Amazon”, informed El Peruano.
“Much of the control is not only the responsibility of the Government but also of the population,” said the specialist.
All dog owners should vaccinate their pet once a year against rabies to prevent it from being infected by this disease, and possibly transmitting it.