The Syrian Ministry of Health recorded 10,016 cases of animal bites or scratches since the beginning of 2026, compared to 6,183 cases during the first half of 2025, an increase of 3,833 cases, or about 62 percent, according to Dr. Serine Al-Muradani, the National Coordinator for the Rabies Program at the Ministry.
Al-Muradani clarified that the number of cases that received the rabies vaccine during 2026 reached about 4,870 cases, compared to 2,863 during the first half of 2025, while 512 cases received the serum, compared to 302 cases, and 1,119 cases received both the vaccine and serum, compared to 752 cases. One human death from the disease was also recorded during the first half of 2026.
Disparity in responses between governorates
Hospitals in Al-Hasakah, Qamishli, Ashdadi, and Ras al-Ayn recorded about 75 bite cases in April 2026, 80 in May, 62 in June, and 85 in July, according to a previous statement by Al-Hasakah Health Director Khaled Al-Khaled to SANA. He attributed the rise in stray dog numbers in city centers to the province's geographical nature, its vast area, and the spread of rural settlements on the outskirts of cities.
Al-Khaled explained that the rabies vaccine and serum are available in the centers of Al-Hasakah and Ras al-Ayn, and that Qamishli will be supplied with its full needs, while procedures for reapplying the therapeutic protocol and submitting required monthly reports are completed. He emphasized that treating patients is the responsibility of the health sector, while addressing the phenomenon requires cooperation from administrative units, the Directorate of Agriculture, and relevant authorities.
Collection and sterilization campaigns in Damascus and Homs
In Damascus and its countryside, the Daraya Municipality began a field campaign in coordination with the "Sara" Animal Protection Association, in response to residents' complaints, focusing on crowded areas, the surroundings of schools, and places frequented by children. The Local Development Directorate also implemented a campaign in the Qadam neighborhood in cooperation with the association to reduce risks and avoid accidents with school students.
Annie Orfali, a representative of the Sara Association, explained that the spread of dogs in residential areas is linked to the decline in natural spaces that provide their food, which drives them to approach human settlements and rely on food waste and garbage. She pointed out that campaigns were implemented in Damascus and its countryside, including Wadi Barada, Daraya, and Al-Tell, as well as other areas in Syria in cooperation with municipalities, with the costs of workers and transportation covered.
The shelter houses about 6,000 dogs, against a capacity that does not exceed 3,000, which increases pressure on care and shelter amid a lack of funding, equipped spaces, and staff. Orfali warns against the use of poisons or shooting due to the environmental damage they cause and violations of animal welfare principles.
In Homs, the Pet Home Association, in cooperation with the city council, launched a campaign covering the neighborhoods of Al-Waer, Armenians, Al-Zahraa, Al-Muhajireen, and Baba Amr. Dogs were transported to the association's headquarters near the Tadmur roundabout to receive veterinary care, including sterilization, vaccination, microchipping, and medical examinations. Yusuf Diab, the deputy director of sanitation, explained that the council supported the association by securing land near the Tadmur roundabout, removing rubble, building a wall, installing a gate, and providing a water tank. A car and driver were also allocated to support the campaigns.
Residents' concerns and a national strategy
Residents of Bosra al-Sham in the countryside of Daraa called for a plan to deal with stray dogs that restrict the movement of residents, especially at night and early in the morning. The head of the city council, Abdullah Al-Miqdad, explained that dogs gather near containers, garbage dumps, and on the outskirts of residential neighborhoods close to agricultural fields and poultry farms.
Dr. Fahd Al-Miqdad warned of the dangers of rabies, which affects the nervous system and becomes almost incurable once symptoms appear, in addition to the possibility of transmitting parasitic and skin diseases. He stressed washing the injury site with water and soap for 15 minutes and then immediately going to the nearest health center or hospital.
The national strategy being developed by the Ministry of Health aims to reach zero human deaths caused by rabies by 2030, according to the "One Health" approach, which is based on the integration of human, animal, and environmental health. Al-Muradani explained that the TNVR approach includes the safe capture, sterilization, and vaccination of dogs against rabies, followed by their return to their original environment.
The main challenges include the widespread spread of stray dogs and the need for resources, staff, veterinary supplies, and continuous coordination. Mitigating the phenomenon requires organizing collection, sterilization, and vaccination campaigns, ensuring care and shelter for necessary cases, improving waste management, ensuring the availability of vaccines and serums, and developing coordination and data exchange.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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