02 Jun 2026

The ongoing fatalities in the North West District, with some identifies as probable cases of rabies disease has sparked fear in the community.

The fatal viral infection which is reported to be 100 per cent preventable has triggered fear in the community following four confirmed deaths related to rabies and high numbers of dog bites attacks due to stray dogs roaming the streets.

The district has a high population of pets estimated around 20 000, of which a larger percentage are  stray dogs roaming the streets and public places.

Therefore, the cause of the panic is the agonising uncertainty of, “did that bite infect me,” causing severe health anxiety for bite victims and their families.

Since January this year to date, 157 dog bites were registered across health facilities and the spike propelled the authorities to embark on an extensive vaccination campaign of all pets to contain and control the spread of the disease which is not only affecting humans but other animals as well.

The Department of Veterinary Services also embarked on humane culling of stray dogs roaming the streets, while vaccination continues as rabies poses a serious public health threat.

One of the residents, Ms Kago Masake of Sanyedi ward in Maun confirmed that rabies disease had brought panic among members of the community especially after learning about the unfortunate deaths involving children following bites of infected dog bites.

She said the district had experienced a worrying increase in dog rabies cases noting that it was unfortunate as children were particularly vulnerable because they were unaware of the danger and more likely to calmly approach stray dogs.

Ms Masake who is passionate about dogs and owns five greyhound highlighted that the humane destruction of stray dogs was a proactive intervention to reduce pet population, eliminate human rabies and promote responsible pet ownership.

“The situation has created communal distress as we worry about the safety of our beloved pets, which we keep for home security. 

Although we try our best to confine them, at times they can slit past the gate or dig under the fence and join stray dogs roaming the streets,” she said.

She said a pet was more than just an animal, but a family member and when it died, grieve could be overwhelming.

Ms Masake said she could not imagine bearing the pain and trauma of losing a dog suspected to be infected with rabies considering the investment and the relationship she has with her pets.

Following a string of terror by criminals, Ms Masake started keeping dogs in 1989, since then, a dog has proved to be her life companion, providing the necessary home security and a loyal friend.

Despite the fear of losing her beloved pets to rabies, Ms Masake is fully aware of the danger they could pose to the society, as carriers of the deadly virus, therefore her dogs are well maintained, by getting vaccinated at all times and veterinary check-ups without fail.

“Losing a dog that you care for and love dearly is a traumatic experience as it breaks a bond built on unconditional love. The emotional and physical grief is often parallel the pain of losing a close family member,” she said.

While appreciating council byelaws compelling dog owners to contain their pets to ensure public safety, she is of the view that dogs which were chained or kept in a safe shelter all the time, become more aggressive and a danger to people. Even though supporting human destruction of stray pets as they could be nuisance, Ms Masake said authorities should also consider that at times dogs were forced by starvation to scavenge for food thereby becoming a menace to neighbourhoods.

In a recent interview, Deputy Council Secretary for Primary Health Care, Dr Sandra Maripe-Ebutswe revealed that the culling of stray dogs’ campaign which would continue until the end of the year, was progressing well with over 250 dogs already killed.

Dr Maripe-Ebutswe encouraged members of the community to keep their pets confined and report any bites immediately to any health facility.

She also highlighted that vaccination campaign was also ongoing noting that currently, over 12000 dogs had been vaccinated and implored dog owners to bring their pets for vaccination. ends