Zimbabwe launches nationwide dog vaccination campaign

Dogs

HARARE — The government will launch a nationwide dog vaccination programme in the coming weeks after authorities recorded a sharp increase in rabies cases across the country, officials said.

Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, confirmed that 650,000 vaccine doses have been secured from Botswana to support the campaign. The shipment exceeds the usual annual requirement of 500,000 doses, reflecting the current escalation in reported infections.

Vaccination teams will prioritise major provinces, identified hotspots, and border zones adjacent to national parks, where jackals and other wild canids are known to move into human settlements during breeding seasons. Officials said teams will focus on high‑risk communities, livestock‑keeping areas, and peri‑urban neighbourhoods where dog populations are dense.

The ministry plans a phased rollout with mobile vaccination units, fixed‑site clinics, and community outreach to ensure broad coverage. Local veterinary officers will coordinate with district authorities and community leaders to map priority locations and publicise schedules.

Jiri emphasised that most human rabies cases stem from infected domestic dogs, with spillover from wildlife such as jackals during seasonal movements. He warned that unrefrigerated or delayed responses can worsen outbreaks and increase the risk to people and livestock.

“Vaccination of dogs is the most effective way to protect communities from rabies,” Jiri said. He added that the additional doses will allow teams to reach more animals and respond rapidly to emerging clusters.

With the extra vaccines, authorities expect to achieve higher coverage and reduce transmission chains. Officials noted that success will depend on community cooperation, timely reporting of suspected cases, and adequate cold‑chain logistics to preserve vaccine potency.

The ministry also highlighted the need for trained vaccinators, transport, and secure storage facilities. Plans include public education on responsible dog ownership, bite‑management protocols, and the importance of bringing animals for vaccination.

Detailed deployment plans and provincial schedules will be announced in the coming days. The ministry urged dog owners to present animals for free vaccination when teams visit and to report suspected rabid animals to local veterinary offices immediately. Authorities reiterated that coordinated surveillance, vaccination, and community engagement are essential to curb the current surge and protect public health.

Zimbabwe dog vaccination programme 2026