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Photo courtesy of Gillian Tso
The Indonesian island of Bali was previously considered to be rabies-free. The declaration of an outbreak of rabies in this popular tourist destination in late 2008 was both shocking and disappointing. Sadly, several human lives have since been claimed by the deadly disease.
VBB strongly advocates for the implementation of mass rabies vaccination campaigns in dogs to control rabies. Indiscriminate culling of dogs is not only inhumane, but has also been clearly shown to be ineffective at controlling the disease.
Achieving high vaccination coverage (over 70% of dogs vaccinated) will prevent rabies from spreading. Unfortunately, there is still much to be done in Bali before this goal can be reached. The Bali Animal Welfare Association (BAWA), a not-for-profit organization registered in Indonesia, is working hard to combat rabies in Bali. They are grateful for any monetary donations to assist their efforts. Please visit their website to make a donation
VBB’s Project Vet-Train aims to improve the welfare of animals in India by refining the skills of veterinarians and paraveterinarians in the region. Its pilot phase has been made possible as a result of the generous sponsorship of the Marchig Animal Welfare Trust, RSPCA International and the Maria Norbury Foundation. The results of the first three sessions are summarised in the director's report. Read more
Employment opportunities with Vet-Train:
VBB is currently seeking to engage training personnel for the expanded phase of the project, scheduled to commence in late 2009. These posts offer an unique opportunity for veterinarians and veterinary nurses to pass on their skills to colleagues in India
Contact the project director, Dr Ian Douglas for further details.
Internationally recognised author/photographer David Darcy is releasing his fourth dog book entitled A Little Help for our Friends in an effort to save lives, raise awareness and help bring about change for some 400 million street dogs around the world. David has dedicated a A Little Help for our Friends to aid VBB and, in particular the street dogs this organisation cares for through its charitable work. With support from Bayer Advantage and Cenvet Australia, proceeds from the sale of each book go to VBB.
Read more
While performing routine animal birth control and anti rabies (ABC/AR) work in Chungthang in the north of Sikkim, the SARAH team came across a stray mare and her 10 day foal. The foal had a severe injury and was backed up to a power pole, shivering and in shock with a complete flexion of the left hind hock. There was a deep cut 3 inches below the ventral hock. The superficial and deep flexor tendons were severed. According to equine specialists this is a severe debilitating injury and euthanasia or specialist surgery is recommended. Bystanders reported that the foal had been hit by a truck.
Read moreDo you use Facebook? You can join the Vets Beyond Borders cause and find other users who share your interest in animal welfare and community health issues. You can upload photos to our Flickr group or contribute to our Wikipedia entry. There are many ways to support VBB's work and spread the word.
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