Rabid dogs killed over cattle

Kyela. District council officials have ordered the killing of dogs that fatally attacked 15 cattle in Kijunjumele Ward.

According to Kyela district veterinary officer Frank Mushi nine dogs have already been killed.

“Initial investigation indicates that the dogs were suffering from rabies and we have decided to hunt them down and kill them as they are not only dangerous to cattle but to human beings as well,” said Mr Mushi.

The dogs attacked cattle in the ward over two consecutive nights while injuring seven cows.

Kyela District Executive Director Clemence Kasongo confirmed the incident occurred over the weekend.

Mr Kasongo said: “We received reports from Kijunjumumele Ward that at least 15 cows were killed after being attacked by a group of dogs. We have already sent a veterinary officers to investigate the cause of the killings.”

Villagers said the dogs had invaded their homes before they attacked the cows.

“We are in shock as we have never seen anything like this befor,” said Mr William Mwangwitu, a resident.

Rabies is a fatal infection of the central nervous system and can affect all mammals.

It is transmitted in the saliva of infectious animals.

The disease is endemic in low income countries, causing an estimated 55,000 human deaths each year with over 98 per cent of these deaths following bites from rabid dogs.

Rabies can be controlled through mass dog vaccination and human deaths prevented through timely treatment of bites.

For more news get your copy of The Citizen read online through www.epaper.mcl.co.tz