The Sunday Mail
Theseus Shambare
IN a bizarre development, marauding cats infected with rabies last week went on a rampage, attacking and biting humans and livestock in Chivhu.
At least seven people reported to the authorities that they were attacked by the cats.
Some of the animals were captured and tested positive for the rabies virus, which makes cats go wild.
The attacks were prevalent in the high-density suburb of Gaza F, where a number of people, including a nine-year-old boy, have been hospitalised.
Residents in the area say the cats have gone to the extreme extent of waylaying people at a local borehole.
Mrs Esnathi Matava (36) told The Sunday Mail that her son Tavonga was bitten at her doorstep.
“Tavonga was going outside the house when he encountered three cats. He tried to flee but one of them bit him on his left hand. We rushed him to Chivhu Hospital, where he was treated.”
Mr Joshua Nyajena (28), also of Gaza F, said he had bought medication for a neighbour who had been bitten by the cats.
“I accompanied my neighbour to Chivhu Hospital and was asked to buy a rabies vaccine for US$25, which is a lot of money. There are dozens of these cats around this area and it is still risky to move around,” he said on Thursday.
Mr Nyajena said residents were now afraid of fetching water at the borehole or walk at night for fear of being attacked.
“These cats waylay people at the rocks close to the borehole. Upon seeing anyone approaching the water point, they attack,” he said.
Mr Nomore Mushayi (26) said terror had gripped the suburb for close to two weeks.
“We have never seen something like this in Chivhu. I was once chased by five of these cats. They pursued me for nearly 50 metres but could not catch me. We suspect this might have something to do with witchcraft. We all know cats as docile pets but this bunch is bizarre,” he said.
Last week, the Department of Veterinary Services, in conjunction with the Zimbabwe Republic Police, deployed officers, who killed seven rabid cats in the area.
The feral animals were taken for laboratory tests. Two tested positive for rabies.
Chief director for veterinary services in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Dr Josphat Nyika said: “I can confirm cats were chasing after people in Chivhu. Our veterinary experts joined hands with the police and managed to kill seven cats and it was discovered that two of them had rabies.
“This means the area has rabid animals. Rabies is an acute, infectious and usually fatal viral disease of the central nervous system transmitted by the bite of infected animals. It occurs in many mammals, including dogs, cats, raccoons and bats.
“People mauled by an infected animal should get treatment within 72 hours after the attack, failure of which results in painful death.”
Uncontrolled breeding of pets, Dr Nyika said, is a major cause of the rise in rabies cases.
“Undocumented dogs or cats are seldom vaccinated because owners will be avoiding questions about the legality of their pets. We urge the public to get their domestic animals vaccinated for rabies annually. We hold vaccination programmes across the country all year round,” he said.
Twitter: @TheseusShambare
