NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 17 – The Kenya Wildlife Service has launched a free dog rabies vaccination campaign in Kiambu and Kajiado following the confirmation of rabies in hyenas.
A statement from the state agency stated that the administration of the jab is part of control measures implemented following the confirmation of rabies in the hyenas after cases of unusually aggressive behaviour were observed in Juja and Kajiado.
“Confirmation of rabies in the hyenas shed light on the unusually aggressive behavior observed in Juja and Kajiado, prompting Kenya Wildlife Service to swiftly implement control measures,” KWS stated on X.
KWS has urged residents in these counties to turn up and bring their dogs for vaccination.
It has further urged communities living in wildlife-prone areas to be vigilant and exercise caution as they conduct their day-to-day activities.
“Kenya Wildlife Service remains committed to promoting peaceful coexistence between communities and wildlife,” it stated.
This follows a day after the service confirmed the infection of rabies in the hyenas explaining the unusual aggressive behaviour towards people.
Recently, there have been reports of hyenas attacking people in parts of Kiambu County (Juja area) and Kajiado County (Rongai, Tuala, and Eselenkei areas).
KWS however assured KWS that a team was deployed from its veterinary officers and Capture Services assisted by the Problem Animal Management Unit(PAMU) to capture hyenas that had inhabited caves within the Juja area.