Mpulungu district records 102 dog-bites

The Ministry of Livestock and Veterinary Services and Ministry of Health in Mpulungu district says they have recorded 102 cases of dog bites. Mpulungu District Livestock Officer Alex Sichilima disclosed that the district has also recorded four confirmed cases of rabies in dogs…

The Ministry of Livestock and Veterinary Services and Ministry of Health in Mpulungu district says they have recorded 102 cases of dog bites.

Mpulungu District Livestock Officer Alex Sichilima disclosed that the district has also recorded four confirmed cases of rabies in dogs

Speaking during the Epidemic preparedness and control meeting, Mr, Sichilama says the increase in the number of dog bites is a concern and alarming among residents and health officials.

He has called for the urgent need for improved animal control and public awareness measures in the area.

Mr Sichilima has since emphasised the need for seeking immediate medical attention following any dog bite to prevent potential complications, including rabies.

“The increased number of dog bites is concern in the district, especially that cases of rabies have also been confirmed, rabies is a deadly viral disease transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, which still remains a significant public health threat in Mpulungu for as long as we continue to see stray dogs which are unvaccinated,” he explained

 Mr Sichilima attributed the high number of dog bites to various factors, including stray dog populations, inadequate animal control measures, and lack of public education on responsible pet ownership.

He has since appealed to  the local authority to support and implement vaccination campaigns to immunize dogs against rabies and reduce the risk of transmission.

Mr  Sichilima also disclosed that the department of veterinary services under the Mpulungu Town Council has started making plans to conduct massive dog cropping in order to reduce the number of stray dogs that are around the town center markets, health facilities, and schools.

And Mpulungu Town Council Secretary Isaac Kangombe has urged the departments of veterinary services, and the district health to continue engaging in community outreach programs to educate residents on the dangers of rabies and the importance of responsible pet ownership.

Mr Kangombe explained that these programmes should include tips on how to handle stray dogs safely, the importance of vaccinating pets, and what steps to take if bitten.

“It is important that at this we conduct awareness campaigns,  such campaigns aim to reduce both the incidence of dog bites and the risk of rabies transmission as the local government officials are considering stricter regulations on pet ownership and stray animal management,” he noted

And Mpulungu District Commissioner Gehard Sikazwe has called on stakeholders to continue strengthening coordination between health facilities, local authorities, community structures as well as other partners.

Mr Sikazwe emphasized the need for sustained efforts, including community engagement, stricter enforcement of animal control laws, and increased funding for vaccination programmes.

” As the district continues to grapple with this challenge, I would like to encourage residents to remain vigilant, the ultimate goal is to create a safer, healthier community where both humans and animals can coexist peacefully and this calls for concerted efforts among stakeholders,” Mr Sikazwe said.

He highlighted that reporting stray or aggressive dogs, seeking immediate medical care after bites, and participating in vaccination campaigns are essential steps in combating rabies and reducing dog bite incidents.

Mr Sikazwe has also urged the department of health to continue monitoring dog bite patients, especially those that are receiving appropriate post-exposure prophylaxis, a critical step in rabies prevention.