Online Reporter
Nyasha Simbisai
Agriculture Correspondent
GOVERNMENT has secured 650 000 doses of rabies vaccine, surpassing the annual national requirement of 500 000 doses as part of efforts to strengthen prevention strategies.
Zimbabwe joined the global campaign against rabies, aiming for the elimination of human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.
Directorate of Veterinary Services, provincial veterinary director for Mashonaland East, Dr Reverend Spargo, said the country was implementing the vision through vaccination, public awareness and rapid response to bite cases.
“The vaccines are available in all provinces. No area will be left behind. Farmers must ensure that their dogs and other pets are vaccinated,” he said.
Mass vaccination campaigns have already commenced, with veterinary offices also accommodating walk-in clients.
“Usually, we intensify campaigns during school holidays because children often bring pets for vaccination. However, we are now conducting mass campaigns while also attending to walk-ins at our veterinary offices,” Dr Spargo said.
Although rabies vaccination is free of charge, a vaccination certificate costs US$1 or the equivalent in local currency.
“It is far better to spend US$1 per year on prevention than to risk paying over US$200 for post-exposure treatment in humans,” Dr Spargo said.
Rabies is a viral disease affecting the nervous system. It can infect all mammals, including humans, and is highly fatal to all species.
“Rabies is 100 percent fatal once symptoms begin, but it is also 100 percent preventable through vaccination,” he said.
In animals, rabies presents with behavioural changes, aggression, excessive salivation and paralysis.
In cattle, symptoms may include increased bellowing, drooling and abnormal behaviour such as hitting the head against trees or kraals.
In humans, the disease affects the brain and may cause aggression, hydrophobia and difficulty swallowing.
Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, usually via bites.
Dr Spargo urged members of the public to take immediate action following any animal bite.
“A person who is bitten should wash the wound thoroughly with running water and soap for at least 15 minutes. Within 24 hours, they must seek medical attention for post-exposure prophylaxis,” he said.
Dr Spargo said the incubation period varied depending on the location and severity of the bite.
“The closer the wound is to the head, the quicker the virus reaches the brain. Signs may appear within three weeks or take up to a year,” he said.
Children aged 16 years and below are considered high-risk due to frequent interaction with pets.
Dr Spargo encouraged parents and guardians to educate children on safe handling of animals.
He also called on urban residents to comply with dog licensing regulations, maintain perimeter fencing and control pet populations to reduce the risk of stray and roaming dogs.
“Vaccinating pets, observing licensing laws and controlling dog populations are critical steps in preventing rabies transmission,” he said.
Authorities say strengthened collaboration between farmers, veterinary services and communities remains central to safeguarding Zimbabwe’s livestock sector and public health during the high-risk rainy season.
In Zimbabwe, rabies is a common disease with dogs, cattle and jackals being the main host species.
In some areas, rabies is enough of a problem in cattle and jackals, being the main host species. However, its main importance is a threat to human health.
All people who regularly handle animals should be aware of the disease.
Rabies is a notifiable disease and suspect cases must be reported to the Department of Veterinary Services.
Meanwhile, Dr Spargo said cases of lumpy skin disease had also been recorded in some areas, largely due to increased mosquito and biting insect activity associated with the rains.
“Lumpy skin disease is spread by mosquitoes and other biting insects during this season. Farmers are encouraged to vaccinate their cattle, as vaccinated animals will not be infected. Where outbreaks occur, farmers must urgently notify veterinary officers for proper treatment and guidance,” he said.
Dr Spargo urged farmers to begin preparing supplementary feed now by cutting and preserving grass for the lean period.
