World Rabies Day calls for free vaccination
Every year, the Thaba Chweu State Veterinary Office, along with all state vet offices around the country, use World Rabies Month as a time to take steps to help prevent and control rabies, such as vaccinating pets including dogs and cats.
LYDENBURG – September 28 is World Rabies Day and the month of September is National Rabies Awareness Month. During this time each year, the government seeks to raise awareness of rabies and enhance prevention and control efforts.
Rabies is an infectious viral disease that is always fatal following the onset of clinical signs. In up to 99 per cent of human cases, the virus is transmitted by domestic dogs. It affects domestic and wild animals alike, and is spread to people through bites or scratches, usually via saliva. Infected animals show behavioural changes, abnormal salivation, aggression, abnormal vocalisation, progressive paralysis and eventually, death. The disease is confirmed with a brain sample.
The law compels pet owners to ensure their dogs and cats are vaccinated at three months of age and then again every 12 months. It is also essential that proof of vaccination is kept and accompanies all pets when travelling. Post-exposure prophylaxis means the treatment of a bite victim is started immediately after exposure to the virus to prevent it from entering the central nervous system, which would result in imminent death.
This consists of: • local treatment of the wound, initiated as soon as possible after exposure
• a course of potent and effective rabies vaccines that meets World Health Organisation (WHO) standards and
• the administration of rabies immunoglobulin (RIG), if indicated.
Every year, the Thaba Chweu State Veterinary Office, along with all state vet offices around the country, use World Rabies Month as a time to take steps to help prevent and control rabies, such as vaccinating pets including dogs and cats.
This year the office will once again be vaccinating pets free of charge
• September 13 Graskop – 09:00 to 15:00
• September 14-15 Sabie – 09:00 to 15:00
• September 28-30 Lydenburg SV Office – 09:00 to 15:00.
Owners are requested to ensure that dogs are kept on leashes and that cats are manageable when they are brought in for vaccination. For more information, please contact the Thaba Chweu SV Office on 013-235-2071/2 or Dr Sulet Gous on 076-330-4749.
