Rabies outbreak hits Guruve

Cletus Mushanawani Mashonaland Central Bureau
A RABIES outbreak was last week reported in Guruve District where a dog was gunned down after biting four people.
Mashonaland Central veterinary officer Dr Wilmot Chikurunhe confirmed the outbreak and said a specimen sample of the dog was taken to the laboratory for testing and tested positive of rabies.

The outbreak came at a time when the district did not have rabies vaccinations.
“Yes, I can confirm an outbreak of rabies in Guruve District,” he said.

“The outbreak came at a time when we did not have rabies vaccines in the province and we had to approach our head office for assistance. Our head office has availed 6 000 doses and 3 000 doses were sent to Guruve this morning to vaccinate the dogs. The problem is that most dogs in the province are still to be vaccinated because of shortages of the vaccines. Resources are not readily available to acquire the vaccines.”

Dr Chikurunhe said they were doing awareness campaigns in the affected district.
“Guruve District has a population of between 5 000 to 6 000 dogs and the doses available are not enough to cover all dogs,” he said.

“In total, the province needs about 75 000 doses per year and it is very difficult to get half of the quantity every year. We will continue with our awareness campaigns so that we reduce the cases of rabies in the province.

“As long as we have jackals in our communities, we will continue having these outbreaks. Some of the jackals attack dogs and cattle, infecting them in the process.”

Dr Chikurunhe encouraged communities to report early to their nearest veterinary offices any suspected cases of rabies and strange behaviour from their animals.