Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
A SURGE in dog bite cases and stray dog populations has sparked concerns of a potential rabies outbreak in Manicaland, with 4 129 cases reported across the province in 2025, up from 3 898 the previous year.
Statistics released by the Ministry of Health and Child Care indicate that Makoni District recorded the highest number of dog bites at 992, followed by Mutare with 899 cases.
Mutasa District reported 642 cases, while Buhera recorded 500 cases. Chipinge and Chimanimani reported 458 and 400 cases, respectively, with Nyanga recording the lowest number at 238.
The presence of rabies in the province is suspected, particularly in Chipinge and Chimanimani, where a suspected rabid dog bit nine people.
Although laboratory tests were inconclusive, the incident has heightened fears among residents.
The rise in dog bite cases has raised concerns among health officials, who are urging residents to take precautions to prevent the spread of potential rabies.
Manicaland Provincial Medical Director (PMD), Dr Munyaradzi Mukuzunga has allayed fears of existing rabies in the province.
“If humans are bitten by rabid dogs and are given post-exposure vaccine, they do not develop rabies. As far as I know, we have not had any human rabies cases except before 2024,” said Dr Mukuzunga.
However, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) inspector, Mr William Newengo confirmed that the number of stray dogs is increasing as the year unfolds.
“As of January 2026, 13 stray dogs have been admitted to SPCA in Mutare alone, and by the time we reach March, the number will have increased tremendously.
“Basically, we get the stray dogs from the City Health Department – and according to the city bylaws, they are the ones responsible for trapping and bringing them to SPCA for safekeeping before disposal.
“If claimed while in SPCA kennels, we first ask for clearance from the City Health Department. We work hand-in-hand with them.
“If unclaimed for two weeks, we dispose of them either by rehoming or other humane means of elimination recommended by SPCA guidelines. SPCA’s major role is to educate the community about animal welfare, and where cruelty is too high and all means of education are exhausted, prosecution will be the last option, whereby we will engage the police and finally the magistrate for judgment,” he said.
Manicaland Provincial veterinary epidemiologist, Dr Innocent Chabanga could neither confirm nor deny the presence of rabies in Manicaland.
Dr Chabanga confirmed that in Chipinge, nine people were bitten by one dog, and the tests were inconclusive.
“We cannot really say we do not have rabies in Manicaland because we did not get conclusive results on the Chipinge case, even though the samples were collected for testing,” he said.
“In terms of epidemiology, areas adjacent wildlife parks as well as those near the border, are at a higher risk of rabies – therefore, their pets need regular vaccination and extra care in terms of monitoring. We encourage responsible pet ownership, and that relates to vaccination and confined keeping within properties.
“We are also discouraging uncontrolled breeding, and this can be achieved through sterilisation if it’s a female and castration if it is a male,” he said.
Manicaland Provincial Director (Local Government Services and Administration), who is also Civil Protection Committee head for the province, Mr John Misi urged local authorities to take action against irresponsible pet breeding and stray dogs.
“We have been made aware that dog bites across the province are on the rise. We advise all dog owners to have their dogs vaccinated. People must report all stray dogs, cats, and the presence of jackals in the communities, and at the same time, local authorities should take action against irresponsible pet breeding and stray dogs,” said Mr Misi.
