Tanzania’s efforts to curb rabies scare pay off after a 73 percent decline in dog-bite cases

MALINYI: THE Tanzanian government efforts to control rabies in Malinyi District, Morogoro Region, have begun yielding positive results, with cases of residents being bitten by dogs declining by 73 per cent, from 55 recorded in 2025 to 15 this year.

The significant decline has been attributed to a series of interventions implemented by the Malinyi District Council in collaboration with health and veterinary experts, including free vaccination of dogs, surveillance of animals showing signs of rabies and public education on prevention and control of the disease.

Malinyi District Council Vaccination Services Coordinator, Eliesti Chambua Mbwambo, said the decline was a positive indication that strengthened vaccination programmes and increased outreach were making an impact.

“It is good news that cases have declined from 55 last year to 15 this year involving residents who were bitten by dogs,” Mbwambo said.

He attributed the achievement to efforts by the Sixth-Phase Government under President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, particularly measures to facilitate vaccination teams with transport, including vehicles and motorcycles, enabling them to reach remote and hard-to-access areas.

According to Mbwambo, improved mobility has enabled veterinary teams to take vaccination services closer to communities, thereby increasing coverage and reducing the risk of rabies transmission.

Despite the progress, the district has maintained heightened surveillance after receiving a report from residents of Saramiti Hamlet in Kiswago Village, Sofi Ward, concerning a cow that displayed signs suspected to be associated with rabies.

The Head of the Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Division at Malinyi District Council, Absalom Gapson, said veterinary experts responded to the report and examined the animal, with a preliminary Rapid Test conducted as part of the assessment.

“The signs of rabies in cattle are not different from those observed in other animals, including aggression towards other animals and humans, as well as excessive salivation,” Gapson said.

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He warned that rabies poses a serious threat to both animals and humans if immediate measures are not taken, explaining that the virus attacks the nervous system.

“The disease can affect other animals and humans if immediate action is not taken. Symptoms may include fever, headache, confusion and eventually death because the virus affects the nervous system,” he said.

Gapson urged residents to immediately report any animal showing signs suspected to be rabies, stressing that vigilance should not be limited to dogs but should also cover other domestic animals, including cats, sheep and cattle.

He said vaccination remains one of the most important measures in preventing rabies and urged residents to take advantage of the free vaccination services provided by the government.

“We urge residents to turn out in large numbers and bring their animals for vaccination in order to avoid the risk of rabies,” he said.

Gapson said the need for vigilance was particularly important in Malinyi because of the close interaction between human settlements, livestock and wildlife from areas including Nyerere National Park and the Kilombero Valley.

He said the situation called for strengthened surveillance and preventive measures against diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans.

The government has also continued to strengthen the One Health approach, which brings together human health and veterinary professionals to jointly address diseases affecting both people and animals.

Mbwambo said the approach had strengthened cooperation among professionals in providing public education, monitoring suspected cases and taking prompt action whenever signs of disease were detected.

Meanwhile, Malinyi District Executive Director Jaafari Katimba said the Government would continue encouraging residents to play an active role not only in reporting suspected cases but also in ensuring that dogs and other animals were vaccinated on time.

Katimba said the ultimate goal was to further reduce dog-bite cases and make Malinyi a safer area free from rabies, allowing residents to pursue their social and economic activities without the threat posed by the disease.

He urged residents to cooperate with veterinary authorities and take advantage of free vaccination services as part of broader efforts to protect public health and livestock.

The reduction in dog-bite cases from 55 in 2025 to 15 this year represents a decline of about 73 per cent, underscoring the potential impact of sustained vaccination, surveillance, public awareness and community participation in rabies control.