Eight people of Ukwimi Settlement Scheme in Petauke district have undergone medical treatment for suspected rabies after dog bites.
A veterinary official, Jeph Mkwalantira, disclosed the development to Eastern
Province Deputy Permanent Secretary, Eurelia Siyamujaye, during the monitoring tour
of government funded projects in the area over the weekend.
Mr. Mkwalantira said that the eight were taken to the nearest Ukiwimi Rural Health
Centre for treatment.
He explained that the dogs are suspected to have been earlier bitten by a stray fox
which he said was a reservoir of rabies.
In a related development, people in the area are living in fear of lions which that
are reported to be terrorising the settlement.
According to Zambia Wildlife Authorities (ZAWA) in Ukwimi, the lions which were seen
in most places, including Mulola village which migrated from Mfuwe Game Management
Area.
An officer who declared anonymity said the department was already on the ground
hunting  the fox and the lions that are threatening people’s lives in Ukwimi.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary, Mrs Eurelia Siyamujaye said the development needed urgent attention before lives are lost.
She noted that she was particularly concerned with the lives of girls at Sonja Girls
Secondary School which was situated in the area.
