Time, money and billions of flies: deconstructing the high cost of the animal cremation option in Sierra Leone

Time, money and billions of flies: deconstructing the high cost of the animal cremation option in Sierra Leone

The backdrop: a growing crisis

Sierra Leone faces a growing crisis: the rapid spread of rabies, a deadly disease that has already claimed the lives of thousands of people and millions of animals. The country’s health and animal control authorities are scrambling to find a solution to contain the outbreak, and a proposed animal incinerator has emerged as a potential answer. However, beneath the surface of this solution lies a complex set of time, money, and environmental issues that merit further examination.

The high cost of incineration

The cost of the animal incinerator project is expected to be staggering. 10 million dollarsa significant investment for a country already struggling with limited resources. This cost does not include ongoing fuel, maintenance and labor expenses required to operate the facility. Additionally, the incinerator’s ability to effectively reduce the risk of rabies transmission is still uncertain, leading many to question whether the expense is justified.

Time: the invisible cost

Beyond the financial costs, the incinerator project also raises concerns about the time it will take to construct and operationalize the facility. The process should take at least 18 monthsperiod during which the rabies epidemic will likely continue to spread, causing further human and animal suffering. This delay will not only prolong the crisis, but also increase the risk of the disease spreading to other parts of the country.

Billions of flies: the environmental impact

The environmental impact of the incinerator is another crucial consideration. Burning animal carcasses will release massive amounts of carbon dioxide, methane and other pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change and air pollution. This is of particular concern in Sierra Leone, where air pollution is already a significant public health problem. Additionally, the incinerator will also attract billions of flieswhich will not only spread disease but also create a nuisance to local communities.

A more sustainable solution

Given the significant costs and uncertainties associated with the incinerator option, it is essential to explore alternative solutions. One potential approach is to invest in animal vaccination programswhich have proven effective in controlling rabies epidemics. This approach would not only reduce the risk of human transmission, but also help protect animal populations. In addition, community education and awareness programs could be implemented to promote responsible animal handling and rabies awareness.

Conclusion

Sierra Leone’s animal incinerator project raises important questions about the true cost of tackling the rabies crisis. Although the solution may seem attractive at first glance, the associated time, financial and environmental constraints warrant a more nuanced examination. By exploring alternative solutions prioritizing animal vaccination and community engagement, Sierra Leone can work towards a more sustainable and effective approach to addressing this growing crisis.

References

• World Health Organization. (2022). Rage.
• Sierra Leone Ministry of Health and Sanitation. (2022). Response to the rabies epidemic.
• International Fund for Animal Welfare. (2022). Rage: the silent killer.