Vaccinate your pet against rabies, following outbreak in the Cape

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA have urged the public to exercise caution following confirmation from the Western Cape Provincial Veterinary Services of a rabies case in a Cape Fur Seal along the Cape coastline.

PICTURE: Cape of Good Hope SPCA

The affected seal was found off the coast at Big Bay and died on May 22, 2024, with laboratory results confirming rabies.

The animal confirmation says a further two suspected cases from different areas are pending confirmation.

Rabies is a serious viral disease that can affect mammals, including humans, and is typically transmitted through bites or scratches from an infected animal. Rabies can also be contracted if the saliva from an infected animal comes into contact with the mucous membranes (eyes, nose or mouth).

The primary risk of rabies introduction comes from the movement of infected dogs, which can then spread the virus through contact with other dogs in public spaces or through fences. Rabies is transmitted through direct contact between dogs, including licking, scratching, nipping, and biting. Rabies can be transmitted to people through the lick, scratch, or bite of a rabid animal.

It warned people to avoid contact with and also keep their dogs and other pets away from seals.

‘’We understand the enjoyment that beaches bring to our community and their pets but ask that you please remain aware to keep yourself and your pets safe.’’

The City of Cape Town echoed the SPCA’s sentiments.

‘’As such, the public must take extra precaution to stay away from Cape Fur Seals as far as possible, and to not, under any circumstances, allow their dogs close to these animals. This precaution applies to the entire Cape Peninsula coastline.,’’

‘’Any person bitten by a seal is urged to seek immediate medical attention, and to notify the relevant authorities. The same applies to any pet bitten by a seal. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) hotline doctors have been advised to recommend Post Exposure Prophylaxis for anyone who is bitten by a seal,’’ it added.

The Western Cape Provincial Veterinary Services, two weeks ago, confirmed a case of rabies in a pet dog residing in the Capri area of the Southern Peninsula in Cape Town. It said that the dog exhibited symptoms such as fever and increased aggression. Both the infected dog and a younger dog from the same household, which was injured, were humanely euthanized.

‘’The source of the infection is currently unclear, none of the dogs in the household had a recent travel history outside the province. Rabies is not endemic in wild animals in the City of Cape Town, with the closest wildlife cases in the past reported in the Paarl area. Recent investigations into reports of seals exhibiting aggressive behavior in the City found no evidence of rabies infection in seals,’’ the department said.

If bitten by an animal suspected of having rabies, your first step is to clean the wound with soap and water for 15 minutes. This is a critical step and one that you can take immediately. Thereafter, go to the hospital/emergency room/clinic to seek further medical attention. Here, you will be assessed and arrangements made for you to receive post exposure prophylaxis, which usually includes a series of rabies vaccinations as well as RIG (rabies immunoglobulins), depending on the nature of the bite. RIG are not available everywhere – the doctor will guide you as to your next step. The doctor can call the nearest public sector hospital to determine where vaccine and RIG stocks are available.

The Veterinary services says if you know the owner of the animal that bit you, get all the information you can, including its vaccination status and the owner’s name and address.

Rabies outbreaks can be entirely prevented by vaccinating dogs and cats. Failure to vaccinate pets can result in the animals being euthanized if they come into contact with a rabid animal, and owners may be held liable for any damage caused if their animal becomes rabid.

Rabies vaccinations for animals are available throughout the province at private veterinary clinics, animal welfare organisations, and during pre-arranged vaccination campaigns by Western Cape Veterinary Services.

 

Done By: Mitchum George