Zabul residents call for campaign against pye- dogs

QALAT (Pajhwok): Residents of southern Zabul province have complained of a surge in the population of stray dogs in Qalat, the provincial capital, and some districts.

Ownerless dogs have bitten a number of children and elderly individuals in different parts of the province, fuelling public concerns.

Inhabitants asked municipality and health officials to take action against dogs with the rabies virus and provide relief to the people.

Sardar Mohammad, a resident of Qalat, told Pajhwok Afghan News there was an unprecedented increase in the number of dogs with rabies. They have bitten some children and elderly people.

He said in previous years, a campaign was kicked off against stray dogs and dongs with rabies but this year this campaign has not kicked off.

Qari Shamsullah, who belongs to Arghandab district, noted a rise in the number of stray dogs with rabies in the province.

He asked the Public Health Department to dispatch anti-rabies vaccine and other necessary medicines to hospitals in Qalat and district centres.

Public health officials acknowledged the rabies virus in stray dogs, saying five dog-bite incidents had been reported in the past few days in Shah Joi district and Qalat.

Qalat Hospital Deputy Director Dr. Mohammad Dawood told Pajhwok Afghan News three dog-bite cases were reported from Hawa Shansi, Syed Jan and Bawari areas, Two similar happened in the Mezani area of Shah Joi.

With the temperature rising, he said, the number of stray dogs with rabies had also surged. A special campaign is needed this year as well to bring the situation under control.

He added there was no anti-rabies vaccine and other medicine at the local hospital. Patients with rabies virus are evacuated to Kandahar City for treatment.

Qalat Mayor Maulvi Lutfullah Latifi said a committee would be formed which will be tasked to eradicate stray dogs with rabies virus.

Inhabitants also grumble about a rise in cases of dog bites and rabies. As temperature increases, the number of stray dogs also surges.

nh/mud

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