Authorities in Rwanda's Musanze district have raised concerns about the growing number of unvaccinated dogs roaming the area, posing a threat to human and wildlife health. The district is located near the Volcanoes National Park, home to endangered mountain gorillas and other wildlife. According to the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), over 3,200 people were bitten by dogs in Rwanda in 2025, with Musanze ranking fifth in the country for the highest number of dog bites.
Residents in Musanze are calling for increased vaccination efforts to protect against rabies, a fatal disease that can be transmitted through dog bites. Donatille Mukandayisenga, a resident of Bisoke village, said that her family incurred significant expenses when her child was bitten by an unvaccinated dog. The family had to purchase vaccines worth 75,000 Rwandan francs and travel to Ruhengeri Hospital for treatment.
Jean Pierre Nsabimana, a resident of Kagugu village, emphasized the importance of vaccinating dogs to prevent the spread of rabies. He noted that dog bites can have severe consequences, including the need for immediate medical attention and potential long-term health effects. Nsabimana welcomed the government's initiative to provide vaccination services to residents, saying it will help prevent dog bites and reduce the risk of rabies transmission.
Joochie Nkusi, a resident of Muhoza sector, shared her experience of neglecting to vaccinate her dog, which resulted in significant financial losses when it bit someone. Nkusi spent 278,000 Rwandan francs on treatment and compensation for the victim. She urged dog owners to prioritize vaccination to avoid similar situations.
Prosper Uwingeri, manager of the Volcanoes National Park, highlighted the risks posed by unvaccinated dogs to wildlife health. He noted that dogs roaming near the park can hunt and transmit diseases to wildlife, including endangered species. Uwingeri emphasized the importance of vaccination and responsible dog ownership to protect both human and wildlife health.
Ladislas Nshimiyimana, a RBC official, stated that rabies is a priority disease in Rwanda, and efforts are being made to eliminate it by 2030. He noted that the government is working with various stakeholders, including the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Board (RAB) and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), to implement a comprehensive strategy to control rabies.
Theobald Kayiranga, deputy mayor of Musanze district, emphasized the need for responsible dog ownership and vaccination. He urged dog owners to vaccinate their pets and obtain certification to ensure public safety. Kayiranga also stressed the importance of breeding dogs with responsible owners who can provide proper care and attention to prevent them from roaming freely.
Key points
- Unvaccinated dogs in Musanze, Rwanda, pose a threat to human and wildlife health, with over 3,200 people bitten by dogs in Rwanda in 2025.
- Authorities and residents are calling for increased vaccination efforts to protect against rabies, a fatal disease that can be transmitted through dog bites.
- The government is working with stakeholders to implement a comprehensive strategy to control rabies and eliminate it by 2030.
