IOM registers 239 cases of dog bites in Bentiu IDP camp

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Monday confirmed registering 239 cases of dog bite in Bentiu internally displaced people’s camp in Unity State.

Rab Char Nyang, IOM camp coordination officer told the Juba Echo that dog bite cases have risen to 239 in Bentiu IDPs camp and beyond the protection of civilian sites.

“The zoonotic diseases have risen due to dogs and cats bite especially in the internally displaced camp, this month we have recorded 239 cases of dogs and cats’ bite in five sectors of Bentiu IDPs camp,” Nyang said in Bentiu town.

He said community members should be aware of zoonotic diseases, most especially rabies because of dog bites.

“Dogs owners should take responsibility for their dogs and play a great role in observing the behaviors of their dogs, I encourage dog owners to report any strange behavior of their dogs to community watch groups,” Nyang said.

He urged the community to immediately seek treatment to any nearest hospital and health facilities when bitten by dogs.

 “We have requested Veterinary San Frontiers to carry out dogs and cats’ vaccination in Bentiu internally displaced camp, and they said that they are waiting for the vaccines from Juba,” Nyang said.

Last Month several dogs and cats died due to strange diseases and other factors in Bentiu IDP camp.