By Tavita Natasha Mpala
Division of Veterinary Field Services Masvingo Provincial Office in conjunction with Masvingo City Health Department is carrying out a mass rabbit vaccination campaign program in Masvingo Urban from the 7th Up to 11th of August 2023.
Masvingo provincial veterinary officer Doctor Manyetu urged members of the public vaccinate their dogs and cats.
“Members of the public are urged to bring both dogs and cats for vaccination against rabies and the cost will 5000 rtgs or $1 per dog or cat. This call is for residents in Masvingo urban and we conduct it annually as a proactive preventive health measure to protect the public health. With the closing of schools, we saw this a fit time to conduct the exercise so as to interact with children who are the majority owners and care takers on vaccination and taking care of their animals to avoid free roaming dogs. Pets need to be given food and proper care and residents should avoid dumping food in illegal dumping sites that tend to be feeding zones for the free roaming dogs.”
He added on to state that after the vaccination exercise is complete, a dog tie up order will be implemented to control the number of stray dogs and reduce the spread of rabies.
“After we have completed this exercise we will team up with the City Council of Masvingo and the Zimbabwe Republic Police looking for, all unvaccinated dogs and free roaming dogs will be shot during a dog tie-up-order.”
In a separate interview Masvingo resident Tendekai Chigwendere said that he welcomes the move to vaccinate dogs.
“Vaccinating your dogs has never been easier as the vet van conveniently come to my house to give my pets their annual jabs. Dogs are prone to a lot of diseases and although yours might be isolated in your yard, some are airborne and thus vaccination is key to prevention of such diseases and viruses. I myself have lost a puppy because of failing to get it vaccinated in time, unfortunately living quite a distance from the vet so I know the devastation of failing to vaccinate your dog.”