Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Health Reporter
LOCAL authorities across Manicaland have intensified rabies surveillance, dog vaccination programmes and enforcement measures targeting stray dogs following a surge in confirmed cases, amid growing concern over the threat posed to both humans and livestock.
The province has recorded 19 confirmed rabies cases since January, while more than 4 000 dog-bite incidents were reported last year, highlighting the continued public health challenge posed by the deadly disease.
Manicaland Provincial Veterinary Epidemiologist, Dr Innocent Chabanga, said stray dogs remain one of the biggest drivers of rabies transmission, particularly in communities located near wildlife habitats.
According to provincial veterinary records, the confirmed rabies cases have been recorded across several districts, with Chipinge recording 10, Mutasa (eight) and Mutare (one).
Dr Chabanga warned that stray dogs frequently interact with rabies-infected wild animals such as jackals and foxes before returning to residential areas, where they pose a significant risk to both domestic animals and people.
“The stray dogs could have contracted rabies from wildlife. The danger is that once infected, they can spread the disease to domestic dogs and humans when they move back into communities,” he said.
Areas such as Vumba, Mutasa and Penhalonga, which border wildlife zones, remain particularly vulnerable to the animal-human transmission cycle.
Dr Chabanga said veterinary authorities are also closely monitoring areas along the Zimbabwe-Mozambique border, where the movement of animals across international boundaries complicates disease-control efforts.
“Some cases have been recorded in Chipinge, particularly along the Mozambique border. Cross-border movement of dogs remains a challenge because animals enter from neighbouring communities beyond our control,” he said.
In response to the growing threat, veterinary services and local authorities have stepped up awareness campaigns, focusing primarily on children, who are among the most common victims of dog attacks and rabies exposure.
“We are conducting educational campaigns in schools because children are traditionally the most affected. In Chipinge District alone, we have already reached six schools, particularly in communities along the eastern border where cases have been reported,” said Dr Chabanga.
The campaigns are equipping learners and communities with information on avoiding dog attacks, recognising rabies symptoms and seeking immediate medical attention following bites.
Dr Chabanga said routine dog vaccination programmes are continuing across the province through veterinary centres, with additional support from development partners during outreach campaigns.
The City of Mutare has announced stringent public health measures, directing residents to confine, vaccinate and licence all dogs immediately.
The directive follows laboratory confirmation that a stray dog captured in the Hillsview-Linkview area of Dangamvura on August 18 tested positive for rabies.
Health experts warn that rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms develop, making prevention through vaccination and prompt treatment after exposure critically important.
Official statistics from the Ministry of Health and Child Care paint a worrying picture of the growing threat posed by uncontrolled dog populations.
Manicaland recorded 4 129 dog-bite cases in 2025, up from 3 898 cases in 2024, reflecting a sustained increase in animal attacks across the province.
Makoni District recorded the highest number of dog-bite incidents at 992, followed by Mutare District with 899. Mutasa registered 642 cases, Buhera 500, Chipinge 458, Chimanimani 400 and Nyanga 238.
City of Mutare spokesperson, Mr Charles Sadondo, said authorities were left with little choice, but to take decisive action in response to escalating dog-bite cases and the confirmed rabies infection.
“The city has directed that every dog owner securely confines dogs within their premises. Residents have until September 27 to fence their properties, vaccinate and licence their dogs. Roaming dogs risk being shot once enforcement begins,” he said.
Mr Sadondo said unmanaged dog populations had become a significant public health concern.
“This directive was necessitated by rising dog-bite incidents and the confirmation of rabies in a stray dog from Hillsview-Linkview. If left uncontrolled, roaming dogs can spread rabies among animals and humans. The growing stray dog population has become a serious public health risk,” he said.
Under the new enforcement regime, municipal authorities, veterinary officials and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) will conduct joint operations after the compliance period ends on September 27.
Dogs found roaming during the day will be captured and handed over to the SPCA, while those roaming at night may be destroyed by authorised personnel in accordance with veterinary and public health regulations.
The crackdown comes as animal welfare agencies struggle to cope with increasing numbers of stray animals.
SPCA inspector, Mr William Newengo, said 120 stray dogs were captured in Mutare during the past month alone, bringing the total number impounded since January to 300.
Of these, only 14 were reclaimed by owners, while 36 found new homes through adoption programmes. Another 122 were euthanised after going unclaimed and failing to secure adopters.
“When dogs remain unclaimed and there are no adoption prospects, the SPCA conducts internal assessments to determine the best course of action. Where euthanasia becomes necessary, it is carried out humanely and in line with animal welfare principles,” said Mr Newengo.
Elsewhere in the province, local authorities are also grappling with the challenge.
Chipinge Town Council chairman, Councillor Kingston Dhlumo, described stray dogs as a growing nuisance and public safety threat.
“Dog bites have become common in several neighbourhoods. While we have not recorded a confirmed rabies outbreak, there is always a possibility of undetected cases. We continue trapping stray dogs and encouraging responsible pet ownership,” he said.
Rusape municipality has intensified public education campaigns targeting dog owners while removing dangerous stray animals from residential areas.
To further strengthen provincial disease-control efforts, the Department of Veterinary Services, working with Rusape Town Council, will launch a mass rabies vaccination campaign from September 28 through October.
Public health officials are urging residents to seek immediate medical attention after any animal bite, warning that early treatment remains the most effective defence against rabies infection.
Authorities have also called on pet owners to ensure that dogs are vaccinated, licensed and securely confined as Manicaland ramps up efforts to prevent the potentially deadly disease from spreading further.
