To strictly handle the heads of local authorities who are negligent in rabies prevention and control efforts in Vietnam

To strictly handle the heads of local authorities who are negligent in rabies prevention and control in Vietnam (Internet image) 

On March 14, 2024, the Prime Minister issued Official Telegram 22/CD-TTg focusing on strictly implementing rabies prevention and control.

To strictly handle the heads of local authorities who are negligent in rabies prevention and control in Vietnam

To prevent the increase in the number of people requiring prophylactic treatment for rabies due to animal bites, the number of deaths caused by rabies, and to put an end to the presence of rabies-causing animals, especially stray dogs and cats, which pose a danger to humans, the Prime Minister has instructed the Chairpersons of the People's Committees of provinces and centrally-administered cities to continue to focus on directing and organizing the effective implementation of rabies prevention and control measures in accordance with the provisions of veterinary law, infectious disease prevention and control laws, and Directive 11/CT-TTg issued in 2023. The following key tasks are emphasized:

- Strengthen information dissemination and awareness-raising activities to enhance the responsibility of the public and provide guidance on complying with the legal provisions for raising and managing dogs, cats, and other potentially disease-causing animals, particularly regarding vaccination and rabies prevention and control measures for dogs and cats. Ensure the full implementation of prophylactic treatment for rabies when bitten by animals, especially dogs and cats.

- Instruct and require dog and cat owners, as well as owners of other potentially disease-causing animals, to commit to complying with all regulations regarding raising, confining, and managing these animals, especially regarding the declaration, vaccination, and rabies prevention and control measures.

Prohibit the release of stray dogs and cats. Properly manage and implement measures to ensure the safety of people in public places, crowded areas, residential areas, and apartment buildings when bringing dogs and cats, especially by using muzzles, leashes, and handlers for dogs, and maintaining environmental hygiene.

- Strictly implement rabies vaccination for dogs and cats, ensuring that at least 80% of the total dog and cat population in each area receives rabies vaccination in 2024 and subsequent years.

- Direct local People's Committees, relevant departments, and agencies, especially veterinary and health authorities, to promptly carry out surveillance, warn, and apply rabies prevention and control measures.

Collect, summarize, and accurately report information on dog owners, the number of dogs raised, and rabies vaccination in neighborhoods, residential areas, villages, and communes, as well as the rabies situation, to the Veterinary Animal Health Information System (VAHIS).

- Directly supervise and strictly handle cases of violations of laws and regulations regarding the raising and management of dogs and cats. Investigate, prosecute, and decisively handle cases of non-compliance with regulations on raising and managing dogs and cats that lead to serious consequences, as prescribed by law.

- Evaluate and clarify responsibilities, as well as strictly handle groups, individuals, and heads of local authorities who show negligence and indifference in leading and directing rabies prevention and control , especially in areas with a high number of deaths caused by rabies (such as Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Binh Phuoc, Ben Tre, Nghe An, Dien Bien) and in areas with a low vaccination rate (less than 10%) for the total dog population (such as Quang Binh, Hau Giang, Binh Dinh, and Quang Nam).

- Review and adjust local rabies prevention and control plans for 2024 and subsequent years. Proactively allocate sufficient resources to effectively implement rabies prevention and control measures and achieve the objectives of the "National Program for Rabies Prevention and Control, 2022-2030."

- Establish task forces to directly inspect and urge localities with low vaccination rates for dogs and cats and areas with a high number of deaths caused by rabies to implement rabies prevention and control measures and manage dog and cat populations.

More details can be found in Official Dispatch 22/CD-TTg, issued on March 14, 2024.

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