Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Ghassan Hasabani held a press conference in his office at the Ministry on stray dogs that threaten the safety and health of the citizens.

“The phenomenon of stray dogs is growing in Lebanon, which resulted in the increase in the number of victims of dog scratches or bites. This has increased demands on the treatments provided by the ten MoPH Rabies Prevention centers,” Hasbani said.

Health Minister pointed out that this sharp increase of consumption up to this date is due to the Syrian displacement, since thousands of families are living in hard conditions, where they come in contact with wild animals and stray dogs. Hence, the Ministry has to provide the necessary treatment for the refugees as well as the Lebanese citizens at the cost of the Lebanese Government to prevent the spread of rabies.

Hasbani called on the owners of pets to vaccinate them regularly, visit vets and keep the pet’s own vaccination register. In fact, most of the incidents are caused by pets, contrary to what is commonly believed. “The smallest scratch should not be disregarded, since it might threaten human’s life in case the animal was rabid. The victim should head immediately to the closest MoPH rabies prevention center to receive the necessary treatment, knowing that the centers are listed on the Health Ministry site,” Hasbani added.

Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Ghassan Hasabani held a press conference in his office at the Ministry on stray dogs that threaten the safety and health of the citizens.

“The phenomenon of stray dogs is growing in Lebanon, which resulted in the increase in the number of victims of dog scratches or bites. This has increased demands on the treatments provided by the ten MoPH Rabies Prevention centers,” Hasbani said.

Health Minister pointed out that this sharp increase of consumption up to this date is due to the Syrian displacement, since thousands of families are living in hard conditions, where they come in contact with wild animals and stray dogs. Hence, the Ministry has to provide the necessary treatment for the refugees as well as the Lebanese citizens at the cost of the Lebanese Government to prevent the spread of rabies.

Hasbani called on the owners of pets to vaccinate them regularly, visit vets and keep the pet’s own vaccination register. In fact, most of the incidents are caused by pets, contrary to what is commonly believed. “The smallest scratch should not be disregarded, since it might threaten human’s life in case the animal was rabid. The victim should head immediately to the closest MoPH rabies prevention center to receive the necessary treatment, knowing that the centers are listed on the Health Ministry site,” Hasbani added.