36
(b)
Whether the compulsory inoculation requirements should be applied also to cats and other susceptible animals.”
We consider that cats are the only other animals which it is desirable to inoculate against rabies. We are of the opinion, however, that it is not practicable to carry out this measure, owing to the difficulty of licensing these animals, which would have to be the first step in any compulsory inoculation scheme.
As regards other animals, such as monkeys, horses and cattle, we consider that as they are generally under control, there is in consequence little danger of rabies amongst them.
(c)
"The staff, equipment and supplies necessary to implement the recommendations of the Committee.”
The estimated number of dogs in the Colony at present is 14,500 of which 6,260 are licensed.
The amount of vaccine necessary for each inoculation varies with the weight of a dog, dogs over 20 lbs. requiring a dose of 10 c.c. and dogs up to 20 lbs. requiring 5 c.c.
The staff and equipment necessary to produce locally 20,000 doses of vaccine (5 c.c. per dose) has been estimated by Dr. Duck, Government Pathologist, at ap- proximately $51,198.00 for the first year's production or approximately $2.50 per dose of 5 c.c. as shown in Appendix II. In subsequent years he has estimated that vaccine could be prepared at approximately $2.00 per dose, though this figure is liable to vary with the increase of salaries for staff, cost of animals necessary for the production of the vaccine and the number of dogs to be inoculated.
As against the local production of vaccine we have enquired into the costs of vaccine imported from the U.S.A. and the following figures have been obtained:-
20,000 doses each consisting of 5 c.c.
In 50 c.c. bottles @ U.S.$2.25 per bottle c.i.f. Hong Kong
One dose of 5 c.c. @ U.S.$0.225 equivalent to H.K.$0.90 at official
exchange.
In view of the difference in costs we consider that supplies of vaccine should be imported. We recommend that American vaccine should be obtained in preference to any other imported sources, as it is of a known potency and high standard.
As regards the staff, equipment and supplies necessary to carry out the actual inoculations, we consider the following necessary:—
A minimum of 4 inoculation centres, 2 of which should be in Hong Kong and 2 in Kowloon.
A team at each centre consisting of 1 inoculator and 2 dog-handlers, i.e. a total of 4 inoculators and 8 dog-handlers. We consider that the minimum basic rates of pay to be offered to this staff should be:-
4 inoculators @ $2,400.00 per annum each
=
$ 9,600.00
8 dog-handlers @ $528.00 per annum each — $ 4,224.00
Total
$13,824.00 per annum
As regards the equipment required, such as syringes, sterilizers, needles, etc., it is estimated that a sum of $3,000 will be required for this purpose during the first
year.
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