Rabies Education in Grenada

Grenada has seen a large increase in the number of rabies cases during the 2013 dry season.

On this Caribbean island nation, of just over 110,000 citizens, the reservoir for the rabies virus in is the small Indian mongoose (Herpestes javanicus). This exotic mammal thrives near human dwellings. 

In an average year, 5-10 suspected rabies cases are submitted for diagnosis to the School of Veterinary Medicine at St. George's University. However, during this last dry season alone (Dec 2012 - April 2013), 15 rabid animals were diagnosed with rabies, mostly mongooses and dogs. Most of these rabid animals had exposed humans and additional livestock or pet animals. In each case the victim needed post exposure prophylactic vaccinations. 

According to the Grenadian government, only 20-25% of dogs on Grenada are protected against rabies. Dog vaccination rate is low because rabies awareness is lacking on the island.

In an effort to increase awareness and reduce exposure, Dr. Samantha Wisely of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension, and Dr. Ulrike Zieger of St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine have teamed up with Grenada’s Ministry of Health and Social Security and the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment to produce educational material for Grenadians. With the help of Rabid Bytes’ graphic designer, Peter Else, they formulated a message and designed large format posters that will be distributed in markets, post offices, and schoolrooms throughout Grenada (Pictured).

The message has 5 points: rabies is a lethal disease if untreated, vaccinate all dogs and cats, avoid contact with mongooses, handle sick livestock with care, wash all animal bites thoroughly and seek medical care immediately.

Next Drs. Wisely and Zieger plan to create a rabies awareness curriculum and hold educational workshops for Grenadian schoolteachers so that rabies awareness becomes incorporated into the educational environment.

Submitted by Dr. Samantha Wisely of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Dept. of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at the University of Florida.