You’ll probably see a lot of stray dogs in towns, cities and villages, when you visit any country in Africa. The general condition of these mongrels may distress you, if you’re a dog lover. They’re often hungry and a bit on the mangy side. But don’t be tempted to pet or feed them. Throughout Africa, rabies is very common and usually a bite from an infected dog is how humans get the virus.

According to a BBC report, 71 children died in Angola in just the past 3 months from rabies. The Angolan authorities are now taking action and rounding up any stray dog or cat they can find. In Malawi, the authorities would set aside a few days every year where all dog owners would have to leash their dogs throughout the day. During this time they would shoot any dog that was not tied up (sometimes narrowly missing the owner by mistake).

I was bitten by a pet/guard dog in Malawi who had been attacked the previous day by some stray dogs, and so I had to get 14 shots in my stomach to prevent the onset of rabies. At the age of ten I wasn’t so sure if I’d rather die than be subjected to that many injections, but thankfully these days it’s just a couple of shots, and you’re done. I’d recommend you get vaccinated against rabies before you travel to Africa. Because once rabies has established itself in your system it is likely you will die.

In general stray dogs are quite harmless and a shout or a wave of a stick will discourage any contact. Stray dogs aren’t treated very well and are usually quite quick to skulk away. Find out more about avoiding rabies in Africa and play it safe; even pet dogs in Africa are guard dogs first and foremost.

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Tags: Africa's Dogs, Dogs in Africa, guard dog, pet dog, rabies, rabies in Africa

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