Rabies cases in Nzega District have fallen sharply over the past five years, with authorities attributing the decline to increased dog vaccination and public awareness campaigns.
The number of reported cases has dropped from 315 in 2021 to 75 this year, District Commissioner Naitapwaki Tukai said on Sunday.
She made the remarks ahead of national World Rabies Day celebrations, which will be held today, September 28, at Mwanhala grounds in Nzega District.
Ms Tukai urged residents to vaccinate their dogs and ensure they are properly cared for to reduce the risk of rabies transmission to humans.
“I urge residents to take care of their dogs by ensuring they are vaccinated to prevent harm that could affect humans,” she said.
She said vaccination services would be provided during the celebrations, alongside dog sterilisation and public education aimed at strengthening efforts to control the disease.
The sterilisation exercise is intended to help control uncontrolled dog breeding, which can contribute to an increase in stray dogs.
Ms Tukai also called on parents and guardians to teach children how to safely handle and care for dogs, saying this would help reduce the risk of dog bites and other injuries.
The national celebrations are being held in Nzega under the theme “Together, We Are Stronger,” highlighting the need for joint efforts by communities and authorities to prevent rabies.
Rabies is preventable through measures such as vaccinating dogs and seeking immediate medical attention after exposure to a suspected infected animal.