Zvimba, (Telegraph-New Ziana) – Three people died of rabies recently in Zvimba after being bitten by dogs infected with the disease, a veterinary officer in the area has said.

Dr Reverend Spago, the veterinary officer for Zvimba, said dogs in the area had been vaccinated against rabies last year, and suspected the animals still infected may have been skipped during the exercise.

Rabies is a deadly disease that often kills infected humans, and is difficult and expensive to treat. It is commonly transmitted to humans through dog bites.

“Yes, sure this is what happened. We vaccinated that area sometime last year, especially the dogs but here and there we might have skipped some homesteads,” he said.

In nearby Chinhoyi town, municipal authorities also recently warned the public to be on guard against stray dogs suspected to be infected with rabies roaming in the city.

Council public relations officer, Tichaona Mlauzi said a stray dog had been spotted in Gunhill suburb terrorising residents, especially children.

The council and veterinary officials blame the outbreak of the disease on dog owners’ failure to vaccinate their pets, and animal rights groups that oppose killing infected dogs.

Telegraph-New Ziana