Residents warned against seeking remedy for animal bites from witchdoctors

Arua, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Residents in Arua district and the entire West Nile have been warned against seeking treatment for animal bites from witchcraft practitioners.

According to records from greater Arua district Veterinary department, one person dies of rabies every two months with Logiri sub county in Arua district taking lead in dog bites.

Dr. Emmanuel Isingoma from the department of Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industries and Fisheries-MAAIF, while addressing people during the National Rabies Day commemoration at Vurra sub county headquarters in Arua district called on the people to seek early treatment for animal bites and avoid going to witchdoctors.

Isingoma’s warning comes after it was revealed that many people who suffer dog bites in Arua and West Nile tend to rush to DR Congo to get treatment.

Dr. Willy Nguma, the Principal Veterinary Officer says Arua is endemic with rabies, and records 25-35 animal bite cases every month.

According to Alfred Okuonzi, the LC 5 chairman Arua district, many people believe that when a dog leaks their wound, it heals ignoring the fact that they are subjecting themselves to infections and so the practice has remained alive in the district

From January to July this year, Arua district registered 135 animal bites on males, 48 on females and 89 on children with 6 deaths.

Nahori Oya, the RDC Arua district who represented the Minister of Agriculture, Animal industries and Fisheries-MAAIF, at the national celebrations, while reading Minister Bright Rwamirama’s speech said the people of W. Nile should watch out for wild animals which may bite their dogs and transmit the deadly rabies virus to them.

According to global statistics, up to 59,000 people die due to rabies each year despite efforts to regularly vaccinate animals.

A commitment to end rabies by 2030 has been signed by countries globally.

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