via Rabies kills child, more cases reported | The Zimbabwean 31 July 2014

Veterinarians for Animal Welfare Zimbabwe (VAWZ) has expressed serious concern at the “increasing” number of rabies cases in the country amid reports the disease has killed a child.

VAWZ, a Harare based animal well-being non-profit organisation, said a dog from Arcturus outside the capital and a feral cat from Avondale recently tested positive for rabies.

A young boy from Chegutu, added VAWZ, succumbed to the deadly disease after a neighbour’s dog bit him.

There have also been unconfirmed reports of a mild rabies outbreak in rural Shurugwi.

“VAWZ is deeply concerned with the increasing number of confirmed rabies cases throughout Zimbabwe,” said the organisation.

It added: “We cannot stress enough the importance of having ALL your pets vaccinated annually against this deadly disease. Should you come into contact with an unknown animal, particularly one displaying unusual behaviour, please seek medical advice immediately”.

It said children must be warned not to interact with strange animals.

The animal welfare organisation advised people to report sightings of suspect animals to VAWZ on 0778431528 and 0775722449 or the nearest veterinary surgery.

In the absence of early detection and treatment, rabies is about 100 percent fatal.