Agriculture Ministry Completes First Operation to Reduce Rabies in Dogs

Bratislava, 4 August (TASR) - The Agriculture Ministry has carried out its first on-site operation as part of a pilot project aimed at reducing the risks of rabies and other transmissible diseases in domestic carnivores in areas with low socio-economic status, TASR learnt from ministry's spokesman Lukas Januv on Monday. The ministry did this in cooperation with the State Veterinary and Food Administration (SVPS), regional veterinary and food administrators, NGOs and local authorities. „We prepared this project to test how effectively we can work together to solve the problem of stray and improperly owned dogs. The goal is to show that prevention, a responsible approach to animals, and cooperation between all parties involved is the best way to protect both people and animals,“ stated Agriculture minister Richard Takac (Smer-SD). As part of the first operation, 43 dogs were microchipped, 45 were vaccinated, and four dogs were captured and placed in the Animal Shelter in Spisska Nova Ves (Kosice region). The ministry noted it plans to continue with similar activities in the future. lin/mcs