Nyagatare — Rwanda Animal Resources Development Authority (RARDA) is advising residents in Eastern Province to vaccinate their animals against rabies.

Rabies is an infectious disease that can affect any mammal, including humans and is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal.

Dr. Augustine Zimulinda, RARDA coordinator, revealed that the disease has been detected in the province and residents needed to urgently vaccinate their dogs to minimise its spread.

"Rabies is a disease that mostly comes from wild animals and spread through domestic animals, especially dogs. It is a dangerous disease," he explained.

Zimulinda added that research shows that rabies is the most dangerous disease compared to other animal diseases.

Treatment for rabies cost over Rwf 70,000 yet its vaccine is only Rwf 500, he noted.