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Blessings Chidakwa  in Kadoma
Kadoma residents are living in fear of rabid dogs that are terrorising humans, livestock and other dogs.

The cases are reportedly prevalent in Ingezi and Mashumavale suburbs were a number of people are said to have been hospitalised after bites.

Kadoma Mayor Alderman Action Nyamukondiwa told The Herald that his office was seized with numerous reports of people being bitten by infected dogs.

“There is a suspected rabid dog that has bitten people and other dogs at ZRP Main Camp, Mandalay, Mashumavale and surrounding areas,” he said.

Alderman Nyamukondiwa warned those bitten to urgently report to the nearest health institution, encouraging residents with dogs that are not vaccinated to vaccinate them as they posed a danger to the community.

“Anyone bitten should report to the nearest clinic and note that once symptoms of rabies appear there is no treatment for either humans or dogs,” he said.

A resident from Mashumavale, whose neighbour was bitten, said people should be wary of the rabid dogs, saying vaccines were in short supply.

“I accompanied my neighbour to Kadoma General Hospital and there were no vaccines for rabies,” he said. “However, at Sanyati Hospital they are only offering two for free and the rest one buys for themselves at pharmacies.”

Mr Samuel Tembuka from Ingezi suburb said residents were scared to walk during the night because of the rabid dogs.

“People are being bitten almost on a daily basis by the stray dogs,” he said. “We are appealing to the responsible authorities to intervene urgently before people start dying.”

Rabies is an acute, infectious, usually fatal viral disease of the central nervous system that is transmitted by the bite of infected animals and occurs in many mammals, including dogs, cats, raccoons and bats.