People urged to get their pets vaccinated

Mzuzu Agriculture Development Division (Mzadd) has urged residents in Mzuzu City and surrounding areas to get their pets vaccinated to prevent the spread of rabies.

The mass vaccination campaign runs from September 30 to October 7 and is targeting 5000 dogs and other pets.

Speaking in an interview on Friday, Mzadd chief animal health and livestock development officer Michael Luwe said the campaign is part of Word Rabies Day commemorated on September 28.

He said: “This campaign is part of government’s efforts to achieve zero rabies cases by 2030.

“Currently, at least 10 people seek medical attention daily after being bitten by dogs. Therefore, there is high risk of people getting infected by rabies virus if dogs are left unvaccinated.”

Luwe said rabies is a viral disease which affects the brain and is fatal, but the disease can be prevented by ensuring that pets are vaccinated annually.

In random interviews, residents who keep pets welcomed the campaign.

One of the residents who owns dogs in Mchengautuba Township in the city, Jean Kaunda, said dog bites were common; hence, the need to get dogs vaccinated.

“We need such proactive initiatives in addressing potential risks of rabies,” she said.

Chibanja Township resident James Ndhlovu asked the department to shoot all stray dogs, saying they are the ones biting people in the city.

“People should remember that dogs should remain chained because they are for security purposes,” he said.

The campaign is being supported by Community Health Coalition-Florida of USA.

This year’s campaign is held under the theme All for One, One Health for All and seeks to improve collaboration among different sectors and local communities in building awareness of the importance of vaccinating pets against rabies.