Wise up on rabies

Every 10 minutes a person dies of rabies somewhere in the world. Nearly half of these deaths occur in Africa.

In light of world rabies day on September 28, the Salt Rock veterinary clinic advises that pet owners vaccinate their animals.

Domestic dogs are the cause of more than 99% of rabies related deaths. Rabies kills both animals and people and all mammals can contract the disease.

The rabies virus is transmitted in the saliva through bites, licking of open wounds or licking of mucous membranes, such as the mouth.

It is important to remember that not all rabid animals behave in an aggressive manner. For this reason, you should avoid touching strange, injured or sick animals.

If you are exposed to a suspected rabid animal, a course of post-exposure immunisation injections should be given immediately to prevent development of the disease. There is no cure for rabies once the symptoms are present, and it inevitably leads to death.

If you think you may have been exposed to an animal of unknown vaccination status, wash any bite or scratch wounds thoroughly with soap and water for ten minutes straight away, then consult a doctor immediately.

Rabies prevention starts with the animal owner, it is, therefore, critical that all pet cats and dogs are regularly vaccinated against the fatal disease.

An initial course of two vaccinations is required, followed by booster vaccinations.

Rabies is endemic to South Africa and failure to vaccinate domestic pets is illegal and a public health risk. Protect yourself, your pet and your community by ensuring rabies vaccinations are up to date.

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