The Jamaica Veterinary Medical Association (JVMA) has urged the authorities to implement measures to enhance protection against the introduction of rabies in Jamaica.

According to the JVMA, this measure would provide a safe, legal method for the movement of animals to and from other countries, reducing the impetus for risky smuggling activities.

The inaugural World Rabies Day was celebrated on Saturday, launching global efforts to eliminate the deadly disease that claims some 55,000 lives worldwide each year.

Rabies is caused by a virus that infects the nervous system causing erratic or aggressive behaviour, paralysis, coma and death in many animal species, including humans.

Although Jamaica remains on the list of rabies-free countries, the JVMA believes the public needs to be educated about this disease.