Abbasali Matlabi, head of the Veterinary Organization, announced at the World Rabies Day conference the start of the process of issuing identification cards and passports for pet dogs across the country and emphasized the need to pay attention to zoonotic diseases. He said: "To control and eliminate diseases such as rabies, we must start from the point of origin, which is identifying the source of the disease, and in this path, wildlife, domestic animals, and the environment are important factors."
The necessity of inter-sectoral cooperation for disease control
Matlabi further added: "Eliminating diseases is not possible with the activity of a single organization and requires coordination among the health, veterinary, and environmental sectors, so that each sector can complement the actions of others within the framework of its missions." He referred to investment in the prevention sector and said: "Experience from past years has shown that prevention can prevent serious problems and heavy costs in the human sector. This issue is especially important regarding vaccination and post-bite treatment costs."
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The role of pets in disease transmission
The head of the Veterinary Organization stated regarding global rabies control programs: "For years, the goal has been set to reduce rabies-related deaths in the human population to zero, and this issue is pursued as one of the important global health goals." According to Matlabi, widespread vaccination coverage of pets is of special importance, as a significant portion of rabies cases are related to dog bites.
He also referred to increasing public awareness, especially among pet owners, about zoonotic diseases and said: "This awareness can significantly help in disease control." Matlabi emphasized the need for precise policy-making and planning regarding pet ownership in light of cultural and social changes in society.
The head of the Veterinary Organization continued: "The issue of pet ownership should be addressed in the Supreme Health Council and other relevant institutions, and organizations such as municipalities, veterinary services, and the Medical Council should collaborate more in this regard."
Matlabi concluded by referring to the organization's plans for organizing companion animals, emphasizing that the process of issuing passports and identification cards for pet dogs is underway with the aim of identifying animals, recording information, and educating owners. He said: "If all responsible organizations come together, we can move towards eliminating rabies with coordinated planning."
Finally, Matlabi highlighted the importance of the veterinary role in ensuring community health and said: "The Veterinary Organization should receive more support in terms of funding, facilities, and infrastructure so that it can properly carry out its missions in the field of disease prevention and control."
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