HEALTH Authorities in Mambwe District Eastern Province have expressed concern over the rising cases of dog bites.

Mambwe District Public Health Officer Patrick Nsofu said the Public Health Department received a report from Masumba Health Zonal Centre where eight dog bite cases were recorded within two weeks.

Mr Nsofu said that one dog in particular that had been involved in three attacks was discovered to have had an expired dog vaccination certificate.

From the preliminary investigations undertaken in the area, 100 percent of the dogs had expired vaccination certificates, a situation which called for attention.

Mr Nsofu the Mambwe Technical Working Group was in the process of lobbying for vaccines from Conservation South Luangwa (CSL) in order to embark on a dog vaccination and registration exercise in the district.

He further advised dog owners to ensure that their pets get vaccinated and registered so that they do not pose a health risk to members of the general public.

According to the World Health Organisation, dog bites account for tens of millions of injuries annually, around the globe, with the highest risk among children and rabies being a significant health concern following a bite from an unvaccinated dog.