The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality successfully vaccinated
more than 200 dogs in the Bluewater Bay area yesterday after a resident tested
positive for rabies last week following a dog bite.
The stray dog died after the attack and two other dogs also
tested positive for rabies. The resident received medical attention and is
recovering.
MMC for Public Health in the metro, Lance Grootboom, said
that a massive campaign would be rolled out across the metro with a special
focus on Bluewater Bay and St George’s Strand. The campaign will include the vaccination
of domestic animals, education of residents about pet keeping and the impounding of
stray animals.
“Rabies can be fatal if found too late and even if a dog
does not bite a human, a mere lick can spread it. We had to act swiftly as our
hospitals are already overwhelmed by COVID-19 cases. We do not want an outbreak
of rabies to add to an already stressed health system,” Grootboom said.
He added that it was vital for pet owners to take care of
their animals and keep them in safe areas where contact with wild animals can
be minimised.
“We tested some wild animals and they were positive too.
This is an indication that there was some contact between the domestic animals
and wild animals. If residents could keep their domestic animals in safe
environments, there would be no contact between them and the wild animals. We
call on our residents to look after their animals. We also emphasise the
importance of looking out for strange symptoms as the owners know their pets
better.”
Source: Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Communications Office
