Tunisia – The epidemiological situation with rabies is frightening and the Ministry of Health recommends intensifying the culling of stray dogs

Dr Kaouther Grabesch, coordinator of the National Rabies Control Programme, warned of an increase in rabies cases over the past three years, with Tunisia recording six deaths from rabies, compared with four deaths from the disease this year alone.

Currently, a 14-year-old child is hospitalized in the intensive care unit after contracting rabies.

Dr. Kaouther Grabesch described the epidemiological situation in Tunisia as frightening due to the widespread prevalence of stray dogs, with no measures being taken to combat this situation.

She confirmed that rabies cases had increased in recent years, coinciding with a decline in the hunting of stray dogs, adding that rabies cases were being reported in areas free of the disease.

She criticized campaigns against the hunting of stray dogs, which have led to a rise in cases of the deadly disease, especially since she said dog sterilization operations are very expensive and resource-intensive.