Egypt targets vaccinating 70% of stray dogs against rabies under new national strategy

El-Sayed Gamal El-Din , Wednesday 10 Jun 2026

The General Authority for Veterinary Services has said Egypt is aiming to vaccinate at least 70 percent of stray dogs against rabies as part of a broader shift toward a more scientific and regulated approach to managing the stray dog population.

Stray dogs are seen in a street in the Egyptian capital, Cairo. AFP

Dr Hamed Moussa El-Aknes, head of the authority, said the state has already begun changing its approach to the issue following the issuance of a new law, noting that traditional methods have been suspended pending the approval of the executive regulations expected by the end of 2025.

Speaking during a meeting of the House of Representatives’ Agriculture and Irrigation Committee on Wednesday, chaired by former minister El-Sayed El-Quseir, El-Aknes said the new framework will enable modern tools for managing the issue, including population control, vaccination, and humane interventions.

He stressed that stray dogs have a high reproduction rate, making the issue a public health priority that requires “scientific solutions based on population management and vaccination rather than old methods.”

The official said the authority, in coordination with several ministries, is working to secure rabies vaccine doses and other necessary supplies to implement the plan in the coming period.

He added that the target is to vaccinate no less than 70 percent of stray dogs to achieve a minimum level of disease control, while noting that full herd immunity would require coverage of around 80 percent.

El-Aknes said the strategy includes multiple measures such as surveying, vaccination, sterilisation, and humane handling of aggressive dogs, while maintaining ecological balance.

He emphasized that the stray dogs issue is a societal challenge rather than the responsibility of a single entity, rejecting criticism that places the burden solely on the veterinary authority.

The head of the authority said the government is coordinating with the cabinet and the agriculture ministry to implement regulatory decisions aimed at addressing long-standing challenges accumulated over the years.

On field implementation, he pointed to a pilot experience in Ismailia governorate, where workers were trained in humane capture and handling of stray dogs in cooperation with civil society, with plans to expand the model nationwide.

He also said that the agriculture minister, Alaa Farouk, has directed the expansion of “shelter” facilities across governorates, with several already under construction as part of a comprehensive national management plan for the issue.