The WESTERN CAPE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE has issued a media assertion at present 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 akin to fever and elevated aggression, along with three different canine from the identical family, had 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 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 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 variety of free Rabies Vaccinations Drives for canine and cats to be vaccinated as a method to mitigate the danger 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 car parking zone on Saturday 1 June from 11h00 – 14h00. Appointments aren’t obligatory and Rabies vaccinations are free, however all canine have to be on lead and cats in pet service containers.
The Western Cape State Veterinarian has organize for extra vaccination drives to be hosted within the Capri space for canine and cats subsequent week. These embrace:
- Tuesday, 4 June 2024, 10:30am -2:30pm on the open area on the nook of Tahiti Manner 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 Website 5 Masiphumelele Clinic.
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA can also be promoting free vaccinations across the Metro, subsequent week.
The first threat of rabies introduction comes from the motion of contaminated canine, which might then unfold the virus by contact with different canine in public areas or by fences. Rabies is transmitted by direct contact between canine, 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 you can take instantly. Thereafter, go to the hospital/emergency room/clinic to hunt additional medical consideration. Right here, you can be assessed and preparations made so that you can obtain submit publicity prophylaxis, which normally features a sequence of rabies vaccinations in addition to RIG (rabies immunoglobulins), relying on the character of the chew. RIG should not obtainable in every single 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.
Be aware the animal’s location since it could have to be captured and monitored for any indicators of rabies.
If you already know the proprietor of the animal that bit you, get all the data you may, 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 completely prevented by vaccinating canine and cats. By regulation, all canine and cats in South Africa have to 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 responsible for any harm 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.