This 2 month long project to contain Rabies is as much for the community as it is for their animals. We aim to take our team on the road to vaccinate AT LEAST 1500 dogs, and counsel in animal care. We will also treat dogs for internal parasites, fleas and ticks, wounds and mange. Rabies is on a frightening exponential increase, but right now we are the ONLY voluntary group that is prepared to get out there and try to make a difference to the rural people and their pets.
A little boy Farayi, was recently attacked by a rabid Jackal. If that was not terrifying enough, he could not get the deranged dog, usually a shy animal, to let go of him and had to drag it home where his neighbor killed the suffering animal. The whole incident was horrific, but they then needed to buy the costly vaccine urgently required to save their lives. Prevention is best. We financed a recent weekend out in this rural area vaccinating 600 dogs, but we need help to continue.
By doing mass vaccinations, we could eradicate rabies . It is SO do-able. But the rural people are very poor. We have been to visit the local schools and have distributed both posters and educational fliers for awareness about rabies, how to prevent it, and when to attend our first FREE offer to vaccinate dogs. We hope this will to give us the best possible turn outs. Its an opportunity for us to treat parasites, mange and wounds, give rope leads to replace wire ones & discuss neutering options.
Rabies is easily prevented by: 1. Vaccinating all dogs on an annual basis. Vaccine costs about $1 each. 2. Avoiding contact with aggressive stray dogs to avoid being bitten. This epidemic is as threatening to animals as it is to the community. SPCA Mutare would not ordinarily have to engage in this urgent program, but we feel strongly that the people need help, the animals need help and finally, no one else is in a position right now to take action. We can make inroads to help.
