The WESTERN CAPE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE has issued a media assertion in the present day 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 might be transmitted to people by way of a chunk however inoculation is obtainable. If a rabid canine or cat, or different mammal you would possibly suspect has rabies, has bitten you, get to the physician. The primary dose of the vaccine must be administered inside 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 probably be internet hosting quite a lot of free Rabies Vaccinations Drives for canines and cats to be vaccinated as a way to mitigate the chance of the illness spreading and to make sure the well being of individuals and pets.
TEARS will probably 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 vital and Rabies vaccinations are free, however all canines have to be on lead and cats in pet provider bins.
The Western Cape State Veterinarian has organize for extra vaccination drives to be hosted within the Capri space for canines and cats subsequent week. These embody:
- Tuesday, 4 June 2024, 10:30am -2:30pm on the open subject on the nook of Tahiti Manner and Capri Drive
- Wednesday, 5 June 2024, 10:30am-2:30pm on the open subject 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 be promoting free vaccinations across the Metro, subsequent week.
The first threat of rabies introduction comes from the motion of contaminated canines, which may then unfold the virus via contact with different canines in public areas or via fences. Rabies is transmitted via direct contact between canines, together with licking, scratching, nipping, and biting.
Rabies might be transmitted to individuals via the lick, scratch, or chunk 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. It is a vital step and one that 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 often features a sequence of rabies vaccinations in addition to RIG (rabies immunoglobulins), relying on the character of the chunk. RIG will not be obtainable all over the place – the physician will information you as to the next move. The physician can name the closest public sector hospital to find out the place vaccine and RIG shares can be found.
Word the animal’s location since it could have to be captured and monitored for any indicators of rabies.
If you realize the proprietor of the animal that bit you, get all the knowledge you’ll be able to, together with its vaccination standing and the proprietor’s identify and deal with.
Notify your native well being division and state vet, particularly if the animal wasn’t vaccinated.
Rabies outbreaks might be solely prevented by vaccinating canines and cats. By legislation, all canines and cats in South Africa have to be vaccinated in opposition to rabies by their house owners. Failure to vaccinate pets may end up in the animals being euthanized if they arrive into contact with a rabid animal, and house owners could also be held answerable for any injury brought on 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 tears@tears.org.za.
