Beware! That stray dog is a public health risk

[Mercy Kahenda, Standard]

Dear daktari, I am a dairy farmer on the outskirts of Eldoret town. But I am normally disturbed by the sight of many street animals like dogs, sheep, goats and cattle that move around in towns scavenging from dumpsites and on the streets. The interesting thing is that these street livestock have owners. Does the law allow for this? What about the dogs? I see a lot of risks like rabies from dog bites. What can be done? [Stephen Kimaiyo, Eldoret]

Thank you Mr Kimaiyo for your inquiry. I am also normally disturbed by the sight of a pack of dogs in the midst of humans in towns. When I spot them, what comes to mind is rabies, a deadly zoonotic viral disease.