Western Cape’s Agriculture MEC, Dr Ivan Meyer says that veterinary officials are vaccinating pets in Khayelitsha and surrounding areas, after 2 dogs tested positive for rabies.
According to the Western Cape Veterinary
Service Head, Dr. Gininda Msiza, rabies is a viral disease affecting animals
and people.
"It is transmitted by saliva or other body
fluids, and a dog or person can be infected by being bitten, scratched or
licked by a rabid animal."
"However, rabies is very easy to prevent
by vaccinating dogs and cats,” added Msiza.
According to Msiza, dogs with rabies often show
a behaviour change and become suddenly aggressive or unusually tame for no
reason.
"Dogs with rabies struggle to swallow and
often walk around with their mouths open, drooling or making choking sounds as
if they have something stuck in their throat. If you suspect a dog has rabies,
do not touch it and contact your nearest private or state veterinarian
immediately.”
MEC Meyer says they are working closely with
the welfare organisations and medical doctors to check on contacts and any
people who may have been bitten and need treatment.
Investigations are currently underway to
ascertain the source of the outbreak.
‘’If you suspect that you have had contact with
a rabid animal, getting preventative treatment as soon as possible saves your
life. Wash any bite or scratch wound thoroughly with soap and water, and then
go immediately to your doctor or clinic to get rabies vaccinations. The sooner
you receive treatment, the better you will be protected against rabies,"
said Meyer.
"Pet owners are encouraged to be vigilant
and to take their pets to their private veterinarian or animal welfare
organisation to make sure their rabies vaccinations are up to date," added
Meyer.
Done By: Mitchum George
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