THE South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) has seen an alarming increase in rabies cases in the Eastern Cape, specifically within the Nelson Mandela Bay, Buffalo City, and Alfred Nzo region.
To date, reports suggest that there have been 741 positive animal cases and 11 positive human cases.
In the Eastern Cape specifically, there have to date been 209 positive animal cases and two positive human cases.
Rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning that it is passed from infected animals to humans – it is transmitted through saliva, most commonly through bite wounds.
It has a dramatic effect on the brain and once clinical signs become visible, there is no curative treatment, and it is fatal.
Rabies is a virus that affects the brain, leading to nervous signs and behavioural changes.
Clinical signs such as incoordination, drooling, paralysis, abnormal howling or vocalisation, aggression, decreased responsiveness and other behavioural changes, may be indicative of rabies in animals.
Dr Renee van Oudtshoorn, from Optima CVC, on behalf of SAVA, said, “To protect animals, family, and the community at large – pet owners must vaccinate their dogs and cats.
“In high-risk areas, annual vaccination is strongly recommended.
“However, it is never too late for your pet to receive their first vaccination, followed by the booster protocol,” Van Oudtshoorn said.
Should a person get bitten by an animal and there is reason to suspect rabies from the animal’s behaviour and history (e.g. not vaccinated, in a high-risk rabies area), the patient needs to wash the wound well with soap and running water and seek medical attention immediately.
Bite victims can still receive immunoglobulin up to seven days after initial treatment, although it should be done immediately.
SAVA encourages all pet owners to visit their private veterinarian or state veterinary office to vaccinate their beloved dogs and cats.
- For any further information or to report a suspected rabies-infected animal, call the Eastern Cape Health Department call centre 0800 032 364, SMS 34010, or Dog Control Gqeberha on 041 506 1743 or 041 506 5232.
Basic vaccination programme for dogs
First Vaccine: 12 weeks old
2nd Vaccine: four months old
3rd Vaccine: one year old
Going forward: yearly
Basic vaccination programme for cats
First Vaccine: 12 weeks old
2nd Vaccine: four months old
3rd Vaccine: one year old
Going forward: yearly
- For more information, pet owners can visit the SAVA website, their Facebook page or Twitter account.
– ISSUED BY N’FLUENCE BRAND
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