THE eThekwini State Vet Office urges pet owners to ensure their cats and dogs are fully inoculated. This was after a pet dog from Burlington Drive in Westville tested positive for rabies recently.

Tomorrow, Friday, July 3, the State vet will host a free rabies clinic for all unvaccinated dogs and cats at the Westville Civic Centre (library parking lot) from 09:30 to 11:00.

In this rabies vaccination programme, pet owners are encouraged to vaccinate their cats and dogs against the viral infection, which can be fatal.

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Rabies is transmitted through saliva contact from an infected mammal. 

All mammals can spread the rabies virus, however, about 99% of human cases are associated with canine transmission of the virus. Dog vaccination is the best method of preventing rabies infection in people.

Human cases of rabies infection, following contact with an infected animal, can be prevented with immediate post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) administered by your doctor or a healthcare facility.

Also read: Protect your pet against rabies

Should a human have contact with a suspected rabid animal, the person should follow these steps: Firstly, wash all wounds immediately, no matter how small, with soap and water, detergent or iodine for 15 minutes. Wound-washing is crucial to saving lives.

Secondly, seek urgent medical attention at your doctor’s office or the nearest healthcare facility. The healthcare professional will assess the risk of the contact experienced and advise further appropriate actions. Vaccination may be suggested or vaccination together with further treatment.

It is best to follow your doctor’s recommendations. Immediate treatment with PEP can prevent rabies infection.

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