adminIn an interview yesterday, provincial veterinary officer Dr Polex Moyo said dog owners were required by law to bring their dogs to different vaccination centres dotted around the city for vaccination.
“The exercise started on Monday and ends on 2 September. The month of September is recognised as a rabies month internationally, therefore this initiative is in line with the global responsibility of curbing the virus,” said Dr Moyo.
He said there was need for all dog owners to bring their dogs for vaccination and if they fail to do so, they will be hit with a $100 penalty.
The vaccination costs $1 or 10 rand.
“I think the fine should be a bit stiffer so that all owners bring their dogs for vaccination,” said Dr Moyo.
“People should bring dogs above the age of three months so that they can be vaccinated. Cases of rabies have decreased over the years, but now they are resurfacing as a number of cases have increased worldwide so this initiative should be taken seriously,” said Dr Moyo.
He said rabies control was important as the virus was deadly.
“As a province and as a country, we have a role to play in the control of rabies, we should contribute to the global efforts of preventing the virus,” said Dr Moyo.
He, however, expressed concern that they would not meet their 6 000-dog vaccination target as members of the public seem not to appreciate the significance of the exercise.
“Vaccinating the dogs more often is the only way that rabies can be stopped,” said Dr Moyo.
Rabies is a viral disease affecting the nervous system. It can infect all mammals including humans and is highly fatal to all species.
In Zimbabwe, rabies is a common disease with dogs, cattle and jackals being the main host species.
Rabies is transmitted through a bite from a rabid carnivore.
In animals and humans, the time interval from the bite to the first signs of disease may vary from as little as two weeks to several months.
Online Reporter