Free-roaming dogs are a global concern, and in Uganda, the problem is especially serious. Studies show that over 60% of owned dogs in the country are allowed to roam freely. Uganda ranks among the top ten African countries for dog bites, with an estimated 14,865 bites reported annually. Sadly, this results in over 36 human rabies cases each year, though cases in animals remain largely undocumented.
What hasn’t been clear until now is how these bites happen, how often they result in rabies, and how community interactions may be fueling aggressive dog behavior.
In our award-winning study in the Kampala Metropolitan Area, we took a unique and bold approach, tracking dog bite cases as soon as they were reported, even when the dogs involved were suspected to be rabid. Chasing a potentially rabid dog may sound terrifying, and it was, but with commitment, it became possible.
Over one year, we tracked 7 major dog bite incidents:
The results were eye-opening.
- 2 cases involved dogs on a rampage.
- 2 cases were dogs attacking and killing livestock.
- 2 cases involved aggressive behavior toward people in the community.
- 1 case occurred when a dog wandered into someone’s compound, resulting in a fatal conflict for the dog.
What We Discovered
Tracking roaming dogs was no easy task. Slum areas with dense housing, nighttime cover, and limited community cooperation made it difficult, 3 of the dogs were never found. Strikingly, all dogs captured by the community were killed, often through mob attacks as retaliation.
Of the 4 dogs recovered, 3 tested positive for rabies.
In total, the 7 incidents led to:
- 53 bite victims
- 29 humans (with children making up 72.4% of victims)
- 24 animals (including cattle, goats, pigs, poultry, and other dogs)
Two dog rampages alone accounted for 88.7% of all bites, with one case in Matugga, Wakiso District setting a world record, a single dog caused 37 bites.
In response, communities launched counterattacks, killing any roaming dogs with sticks and stones in a state of panic and fear.
Deeper Problems Revealed
This study highlighted two major concerns:
- Underreporting of Dog Bites: Many bite cases go unreported. In our study, 65.8% of victims didn’t seek medical care. Instead, they relied on traditional healers, self-treatment, or did nothing at all. This is troubling, considering 96.6% of victims qualified for post-exposure rabies treatment.
- Violence Toward Dogs: Fear and conflict are leading to aggressive community responses. Many dogs are being killed in brutal ways, raising serious animal welfare issues.
So, What Can Be Done?
While controlling roaming dogs is complex, controlling rabies is achievable. The World Health Organization (WHO) aims to eliminate dog-mediated rabies by 2030. Here’s how we can help:
- Vaccinate Your Dog: Rabies is 100% preventable through vaccination. Protect your pet and your community by keeping your dog’s vaccinations up to date.
- Confine Your Dog Safely: Don’t let your dog roam freely. Free-roaming dogs are more likely to bite, get injured, or spread disease, and may be killed in retaliation by the community.
- Be a Responsible Dog Owner: Feed your dog well, keep it healthy, and provide regular care. Dogs that are starving, sick, or in heat are more likely to behave aggressively.
- Help Educate Your Community: Spread the word about rabies prevention, safe interaction with dogs, and what to do if bitten. Support local awareness campaigns and share reliable information.
- Protect Children Through Education: Children are most at risk. Teach them how to behave around dogs, avoid provoking them, and to tell an adult immediately if bitten. Schools should include rabies education in their health programs.
The problem of roaming dogs and rabies is not just a government issue; it’s a community one. As a dog owner, you play a vital role. By keeping your dog safe, vaccinated, and well-cared for, you’re protecting your neighbors and your country. Together, we can work toward a Uganda where people and dogs coexist safely, and where rabies is no longer a threat. Let’s act now, to save lives, protect animals, and build a healthier, more compassionate future.
References
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1558787824000947