Cidasc Bat Shelter Monitoring in Presidente Getúlio
Summary of Cidasc’s Rabies Control Efforts in Presidente Getúlio
This text details Cidasc’s (Santa Catarina State Agricultural Defense Agency) efforts to control rabies (anger) in livestock in the Presidente Getúlio region,focusing on bat monitoring and producer education. here’s a breakdown of the key information:
Key Activities & Findings:
* Bat Monitoring: Cidasc conducted a survey in an old mineral mine (artificial bat shelter) and captured 26 hematophagous (blood-feeding) bats – 1 Desmodus rotundus and 25 Diphylla Ecaudata. This monitoring is crucial for understanding rabies epidemiology.
* Safety First: The operation prioritized team safety, with oversight from Cidasc’s Occupational Safety Technician, Marcelo Cadorin Salvador.
* Producer Collaboration: Cidasc emphasizes the importance of rural producers reporting any animals showing rabies symptoms.
Why Rabies Control is Significant:
* Public Health: Rabies is a fatal zoonotic disease transmissible from animals to humans,with bats being a major reservoir.
* Animal Health & Production: Rabies causes significant economic losses in livestock due to animal deaths.
* Ecology & Epidemiology: Monitoring bat populations and rabies virus circulation helps develop effective prevention and control strategies.
Rabies Symptoms in Livestock:
Producers should be vigilant for these signs:
* Herd isolation
* intense salivation
* Loss of appetite
* Motor incoordination & staggering
* Limb paralysis
* Muscle tremors
* Difficulty breathing & swallowing
* “Pedaling” movements (a characteristic sign)
Prevention & Vaccination Guidelines:
* Vaccination is Key: herd vaccination is the most effective preventative measure.
* Reinforcement Dose: A reinforcement dose is essential 30 days after the initial vaccination.
* frequency of Reinforcements:
* Rabies Outbreak Area: Reinforce every 180 days.
* No Outbreak: Reinforce annually.
* Vaccination Schedule:
* Never Vaccinated Animal: 1) Vaccinate, 2) Reinforce in 30 days, 3) follow reinforcement schedule based on outbreak status.
* Previously Vaccinated (but missed reinforcements): 1) Vaccinate, 2) Reinforce in 30 days, 3) Follow reinforcement schedule based on outbreak status.
* Animals to Vaccinate: Sheep, cattle, goats, and horses over 90 days old. consult a veterinarian for dogs and cats.
Contact:
* Ari Schlagenhaufer, veterinarian and manager of the Cidasc de Blumenau Regional Department.
This information is a call to action for rural producers to be proactive in rabies prevention and reporting,ultimately protecting both animal and human health.