News Releases

UWI Vet School and Ministry of Health Vaccinate Over 400 Animals for World Rabies Day 2025

For Release Upon Receipt - September 29, 2025

St. Augustine


St. Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago, September 29, 2025 – In recognition of World Rabies Day 2025, The University of the West Indies’ (The UWI), School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) in collaboration with the Veterinary Public Health Division of the Ministry of Health, vaccinated over 400 pets against the rabies virus at the Animals Alive Sanctuary located in South Trinidad.

 

 Team of Doctors: Front: Drs Karina Khatic and Reshmi Ramdass, pet Satchee the Animals Alive team’s mascot.

L-R: Drs Devina Supersad, Ryan Pierre, Dr Aneela Shah, Ms Kathryn Cleghorn (CEO-Animals Alive), Dr. Anil Persad (Head, Department of Clinical Veterinary Sciences), Dr Karla Georges (Director, The UWI-SVM), Dr. Tennille Auguste and Dr Arnola Maharaj

Over the course of two Saturdays (September 13th & 20th), one hundred enthusiastic student volunteers spanning years 1-5 together with 10 members of academic staff, joined the global rabies prevention effort and worked tirelessly to ensure that every animal was thoroughly checked and their files updated. This exercised was in keeping with this year’s theme Act Now: You, Me, Community, which is a rally call to service, recognising that rabies prevention cannot be a siloed effort.

 

 Students of The UWI School of Veterinary Medicine conduct a health check on Joe the dog, a valued member of the Animals Alive team.

 

Observed annually on September 28, World Rabies Day is dedicated to highlighting efforts to prevent the disease, which affects the nervous system in animals and is caused by the rabies virus that is transmitted by the bite of a rabid animal.

In Trinidad, the rabies virus is known to commonly be transmitted by the bite of vampire bats and the paralytic form of the disease is seen in rabid animals in Trinidad. Control efforts include reducing the bat population, and protection through vaccination of susceptible animals against the rabies virus.

 

 Arthur, a friendly canine from the Animals Alive team, is examined by students of The UWI School of Veterinary Medicine.

The dynamics of bat biting in Trinidad has changed with bat bites being recorded on dogs and humans, something that was a rare occurrence prior to 2021. However, it is important to note that Trinidad has not recorded a human case of rabies since 1937. 

Considered a neglected tropical disease, vaccination of animals susceptible to the rabies virus is one of the most effective prevention measures, with other efforts including reducing the bat population.

 

END

About Rabies

Rabies is a fatal zoonotic disease that is caused by the rabies virus which is transmitted by the bite of a rabid animal. The rabies virus affects the nervous system and is considered a neglected tropical disease which is 100 % preventable through vaccination. For further information on rabies virus please see:

Anti-Rabies Unit: https://agriculture.gov.tt/divisions-units/divisions/animal-production-health/anti-rabies-unit-aru/

 

About The University of the West Indies

The University of the West Indies (The UWI) is the Caribbean’s premier higher education institution and one of only two regional universities in the world. With five campuses across the English-speaking Caribbean and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe, The UWI continues to be a beacon of academic excellence, research innovation, and societal impact. Consistently ranked among the world’s best by Times Higher Education (THE), The UWI is a global leader in addressing critical challenges, including climate change, sustainability, and development.

 

As The UWI St. Augustine Campus celebrates its 65th anniversary in 2025 under the theme Beyond 65: From the Caribbean, For the World, it pays tribute to its Caribbean roots while highlighting its contributions to solving global challenges. This milestone underscores the campus's significant role in producing ground-breaking research and fostering talent that transcends regional boundaries to shape a better world. The UWI St. Augustine’s researchers, academics, and graduates continue to make an international impact, exemplifying the university’s mission to serve the region while influencing the world.

 

Learn more at www.uwi.edu 

 

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