By Skandha Gunasekara Authorities are facing difficulties in controlling the spread of the rabies virus among jackal populations in certain parts of the country due to the impracticality of vaccinating the animal. Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) Director of Wildlife Health Dr. Tharaka Prasad said that it was not possible to vaccinate foxes. “We are facing several issues, foremost of which is the impracticality of vaccinating foxes. We cannot vaccinate through injection but through their food source, which in turn could pose additional risks to humans.” Rabies transmitted by jackals is believed to have claimed the lives of two people already. Dr. Prasad explained that the chewable form of the vaccine also contains a virus that could be harmful to humans, if transmitted. “It’s a type of vaccinia. It is harmless to the foxes and helps with the vaccination process, but the vaccinia virus can harm other animals and can be deadly if transmitted to humans.” The rabies outbreak which began in Milleniyawa has now spread to neighbouring regions. He said the Ministry of Health is carrying large-scale vaccinations of dogs in Horana, where the rabies virus is currently concentrated. “The dogs are being vaccinated and this can stop it from transmitting to humans. Once all the dogs are vaccinated, even if an infected jackal bites one of these animals, the dogs would not get sick and pass it on to humans.” Initially, the rabies outbreak had begun in Milleniyawa and is now spreading to other areas including Horana, Pugoda, and Ingiriya.