Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Germany fights rabies in the Masai Mara

Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Germany (VSF Germany) is a non-governmental, non-profit making organization, engaged in the field of veterinary relief and development work. Since 2007 VSF Germany is engaged in rabies prevention in Southern Kenya, and their continuous work has born its fruit- the incidence of rabies in humans in the areas has decreased significantly.

The rabies vaccination campaigns started in the Serengeti Eco System by the University of Edinburgh and was in 2007 extended to the Masai Mara  by VSF Germany. The area that we cover in the project is 77.4% of Narok south sub county and is inhabited by  Masai pastoralists;the total area is around 8,060km2; it with an estimated dog population of over 12,000 dogs, and the campaign takes 5-6 months.

VSFG have contracted me for the last three years to be in charge of the project, I work closely with animal health workers from the local community who were trained in identifying and treating common livestock diseases as veterinary services are not readily accessible.

We create awareness through posters, public gatherings, schools and churches prior to start of campaign. Then we move from village to village and house to house in order to reach as many dogs as possible. At first, when we began the project, people were skeptical when we introduced ourselves as veterinarians who vaccinate. However these days there is appreciable responsible dog ownership that now they even remind us that their good dogs are due for the vaccine!

Certificates of vaccinations are issued to dog owners for every dog vaccinated, this increases confidence in us and acts as security for their dogs just in case they accidentally bite someone or animals.  We also do deworming of dogs especially puppies and treat mange infested dogs.

Key Project Achievements

• To date 49,000 vaccinations done since 2007; last year alone we vaccinated 9,200 dogs!
• Before 2010, up to 50 cases of suspected rabies cases were reported from each division, currently after vaccinations for three years there are hardly any cases of human rabies reported.
• Most dog owners now are aware of rabies and report to us any suspected abnormal behavior in dogs or strange dogs seen
• Masai pastoralists are now beginning to appreciate meaning and purpose of responsible dog ownership
• As a result of my involvement with rabies control campaigns and other livestock diseases, the Kenya Veterinary Association (KVA) awarded me with veterinarian of the year certificate for excellent service, one of the highest honors in Kenya’s veterinary profession.
• ​Last year for World Rabies Day, I was invited by the Kenyan Veterinary Association to present a lecture alongside Dr Sarah Cleveland and other distinguished speakers; my presentation was titled Rabies control campaigns in dogs among the Masai pastoralist of Narok South.

  Our experience in the Mara has shown that good and consistent vaccination coverage of dog populations will eradicate the disease.

Because of the success of controlling rabies in Narok south, this year VSFG will be extending the coverage area to cover Narok east Sub County which has never been reached by animal health actors in rabies control, we expect to begin July and cover more than 6000 dogs.

Contributed by Dr Ezra Saitoti of Talek veterinary services in Narok, Kenya and VSF Germany.