The WESTERN CAPE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE has issued a media assertion right this moment confirming a case of canine rabies within the Southern Peninsula of Cape City after a pet canine residing within the Capri space contracted the illness. The contaminated canine, which had exhibited signs corresponding to fever and elevated aggression, along with three different canines from the identical family, have been humanely euthanized.
Rabies is a lethal zoonotic illness – one that may be handed between animals and people – and may be transmitted to people through a chew however inoculation is accessible. If a rabid canine or cat, or different mammal you may suspect has rabies, has bitten you, get to the physician. The primary dose of the vaccine ought to be administered throughout the first 24 hours after publicity.
As a part of the native Western Cape State Veterinarian’s response to the incident, TEARS Animal Rescue along with different animal welfare organisations and personal veterinary clinics will likely be internet hosting a lot of free Rabies Vaccinations Drives for canines and cats to be vaccinated as a method to mitigate the chance of the illness spreading and to make sure the well being of individuals and pets.
TEARS will likely be internet hosting a Rabies Vaccination Drive for unvaccinated pets at its TEARS Veterinary Hospital Head Quarters within the Lekkerwater Street parking zone on Saturday 1 June from 11h00 – 14h00. Appointments aren’t mandatory and Rabies vaccinations are free, however all canines should be on lead and cats in pet provider packing containers.
The Western Cape State Veterinarian has prepare for added vaccination drives to be hosted within the Capri space for canines and cats subsequent week. These embrace:
- Tuesday, 4 June 2024, 10:30am -2:30pm on the open area on the nook of Tahiti Method and Capri Drive
- Wednesday, 5 June 2024, 10:30am-2:30pm on the open area on the nook of Wesley Street and Jefferson Street, in Sunnydale
- Thursday, 6 June 2024, 10:30am-2:30pm subsequent to Nomzamo Web site 5 Masiphumelele Clinic.
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA can also be promoting free vaccinations across the Metro, subsequent week.
The first danger of rabies introduction comes from the motion of contaminated canines, which might then unfold the virus by contact with different canines in public areas or by fences. Rabies is transmitted by direct contact between canines, together with licking, scratching, nipping, and biting.
Rabies may be transmitted to individuals by the lick, scratch, or chew of a rabid animal.
If bitten by an animal suspected of getting rabies, your first step is to wash the wound with cleaning soap and water for quarter-hour. This can be a essential step and one which you could take instantly. Thereafter, go to the hospital/emergency room/clinic to hunt additional medical consideration. Right here, you’ll be assessed and preparations made so that you can obtain put up publicity prophylaxis, which normally features a sequence of rabies vaccinations in addition to RIG (rabies immunoglobulins), relying on the character of the chew. RIG aren’t out there in every single place – the physician will information you as to the next step. The physician can name the closest public sector hospital to find out the place vaccine and RIG shares can be found.
Notice the animal’s location since it could should be captured and monitored for any indicators of rabies.
If you understand the proprietor of the animal that bit you, get all the data you’ll be able to, together with its vaccination standing and the proprietor’s identify and tackle.
Notify your native well being division and state vet, particularly if the animal wasn’t vaccinated.
Rabies outbreaks may be totally prevented by vaccinating canines and cats. By legislation, all canines and cats in South Africa should be vaccinated in opposition to rabies by their homeowners. Failure to vaccinate pets may end up in the animals being euthanized if they arrive into contact with a rabid animal, and homeowners could also be held answerable for any injury triggered if their animal turns into rabid.
For enquiries relating to the vaccination of pets in opposition to rabies please contact TEARS Reception at 021 785 4482 or e mail [email protected].
