What are the main zoonosis issues in Trinidad and Tobago?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We mainly face two recurring infectious diseases of animal origin: paralytic rabies in ruminants and brucellosis in one closed herd of feral buffaloes. Concerning brucellosis, because of the feral nature and genetic value of these infected animals, disease eradication is very challenging. For rabies, Trinidad is the only Caribbean country with vampire bat-transmitted rabies. Vampire bats are the vectors for rabies and infect other species via bites. Ruminants, such as cattle, sheep and goats, are the most affected species, and outbreaks tend to occur sporadically. Though there have been few reports of vampire bat-biting in other species, such as hunting dogs, the last case of canine rabies in Trinidad occurred in 1914. We have not had a case of human rabies in over 80 years. We seek to uphold our country\u2019s canine rabies-free and human rabies-free status. However, we are concerned about the drastic increase in the population of vampire bats over the last 20 years and the significant implications for the possible spread of rabies and its dire public health, veterinary health and economic consequences. We routinely vaccinate ruminants for rabies. For all other susceptible species, we vaccinate animals that have been reported bitten by bats. Persons at increased occupational risk of exposure to rabies, such as veterinary, paraprofessional, and laboratory staff, receive rabies boosters periodically. On the rare occasion that persons are reported to have been bitten by vampire bats or had contact with an animal suspected of rabies, post-exposure prophylaxis and vaccination regimes are administered accordingly.  On a global level, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has become a primary focus in disease prevention and control efforts. We are particularly concerned about the possible incursion of this disease via the smuggling of poultry and poultry products across borders, migratory shorebirds, and wild birds. To accomplish surveillance and monitoring activities in these areas, we will need assistance with procurement and technical support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n