NEMA WARNS OF FATAL ANIMAL DISEASES TRANSMISSIBLE TO HUMANS

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is encouraging the public to take extra precautions as outbreaks of anthrax, cattle pox, and rabies have been reported in eight provinces.

On March 8, it was reported that four sheep and two goats in Zuslan baga of Jargalant soum in Arkhangai Province had started behaving strangely. All six animals tested positive for rabies. On the same day, a dog tested positive for rabies in Khakhiraa baga of Tarialan soum in Uvs Province, 860 kilometers from Arkhangai Province.

On March 9, 87 sheep tested positive for sheeppox in Bayan-Airag soum of Tuv Province.

On March 12, a cow tested positive for cowpox in Burkhant baga of Ulziit soum in Bayankhongor Province. Two days later, another cow died, around 200 kilometers from Ulziit soum in Bayanburd baga of Buutsagaan soum. It also tested positive for cowpox.

A herder in Shivee baga of Ikh-Uul soum in Khuvsgul Province reported that one of his horses was acting strangely on March 12. A local vet took samples from the horse and determined that it had contracted rabies. The following day, near Doloon baga of Derem soum in Dundgovi Province, five more sheep from two different herds tested positive for sheeppox.

Two rabid dogs were exterminated in Nuur baga of Telmen soum in Zavkhan Province on March 15, as they reportedly tried to attack people. Last week, a cow tested positive for rabies in Naran baga of Bayandalai soum in Umnugovi Province.

NEMA says that there have been cases of anthrax reported in some areas as well. It’s proven that animal poxes, anthrax, and rabies are all transmissible when humans come into contact with infected animals. Exposure of humans to rabies occurs when the saliva of an infected animal enters the body through an open wound or a mucous membrane, as often happens with an animal bite.

According to experts, an animal attack is a serious medical event, for which prompt evaluation and complete treatment is critical. The spread of a rabies infection is highly preventable if treatment is given early. Without immediate treatment, the disease can be fatal.

If you see a suspicious animal, contact the police or NEMA and let them handle the situation.

The following recommendations were made by NEMA for protecting yourself, family members, and pets from rabies:

• Seek immediate medical treatment for any animal bite to ensure appropriate and timely evaluation and treatment. All exposure to animal diseases must be taken seriously.

• Do not approach wild or stray animals, especially cats and dogs.

• Ensure all pet dogs and cats have been vaccinated for rabies and consult veterinarians if you have any questions about their vaccinations.

• Confine your pets to your property.

• Securely seal garbage containers with lids to keep feral animals off your property.