There is no treatment for rabies but it can most definitely be prevented.

The State Veterinary Services again appealed to the public to have their animals vaccinated following a confirmed rabies case in Kromdraai.

Also read: Owners urged to vaccinate their animals against rabies

Jaison Mpofu of the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said a female mixed-breed dog had died of rabies.

The lab confirmed on September 21 that the almost two-year-old dog had tested positive for the deadly disease.

According to the owner, the dog started showing unusual behaviour around September 16.”

The animal’s symptoms included aimless wandering and not responding to calls. By September 20 the animal was aggressive, biting at inanimate objects, unable to drink water and subsequently died. State vet services were alerted and their officials collected the dog’s remains and sent it to the lab.

The owner had three dogs on the premises that had an altercation with a honey badger about a month before. One of the other dogs also had an altercation with a jackal about a week before. None of these dogs were vaccinated in this area that is known for rabid jackals.

Six people were identified as potentially having handled the infected animal. These included the owner’s wife, three-month-old child and a six-year-old child. No bite contact was confirmed, but it was almost certain that they had handled the dog and possibly had contact with its saliva.

Also read: The pros and cons of vaccinating your pet

Rabies is an infectious neurological disease affecting the brain and can lead to the death of the infected person or animal. Symptoms vary widely and include behavioural changes, aggression and paralysis. Symptoms can occur from seven days to six months after being infected with the virus that occurs in the saliva of the rabid animal.

The Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development wishes to re-emphasise the following:
• It is compulsory for all dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies. Failure to vaccinate domestic pets is illegal and is a public health risk.
• Members of the public should avoid touching or caressing a strange, injured or sick animal.
• If any person or domestic pet had been bitten by a strange animal their local State Veterinarian or Local Government Health Authority should be contacted immediately.
• Any animal that had not been vaccinated against rabies should be taken to a private veterinarian immediately for a health check and to be vaccinated.
• People should avoid contact with wildlife such as jackals and honey badgers. If bitten by these animals please contact the vet services or nearest clinic.

To ensure a high degree of immunity against rabies among the pet population the Gauteng Veterinary Services will run a booster vaccination campaign at the following venues. This is a free service.
• September 26, 10:00 to 14:00, Kromdraai cash store
• October 4, 10:00 tot 14:00, Oaktree Garage and Muldersdrift Medical Centre
• October 5, 10:00 to 14:00, Bidon Bistro in Kromdraai and Hetford Post Office Lanseria
• October 6, 10:00 to 14:00, Rhenosterspruit informal

All dogs and cats over the age of three months that have not had rabies vaccinations in the last month must be vaccinated. The public can choose between having their pets vaccinated by their private veterinarian or by the state vet.

The presence of rabies in an area must always be considered extremely serious. The Directorate of Veterinary Services is confident that with the co-operation of all role players, including the Gauteng Department of Health, West Rand local authorities, as well as the public, the situation can soon be brought under control.”

For further information contact Doctor Jaison Mpofu 072 900 0869 or 078 173 6556.