Rabies outbreak hits Blythedale feral cats

The fate of the feral cat population in Blythedale has been called into question following a recent outbreak in rabies in the small community.

The rabies scare came to light after a young boy lost his life during the December holidays after being bitten by a cat infected with the deadly virus.

Only months later, a guest at a local resort was also attacked by a feral cat.

An employee at the resort immediately contacted Quintin Doidge from the state vet clinic in Stanger to report the incident.

UPDATE: Blythedale feral cats to be depopulated

“While on the phone to Quintin I noticed the cat sitting around the corner. The next moment it came straight for me,” said the employee, Engela Muter.

“I was bitten all over my arms, but eventually managed to grab the cat and put it in a box.

“Before I even reached the hospital to receive treatment, Quintin had already collected the cat and euthanised it.”

It is estimated that Blythedale is home to between 50 and 300 feral cats.

Blythedale resident Jenny Rutledge is one of seven animal lovers who formed a team late last year to manage the feral cat population.

“The SPCA approached me after they heard about the work I had done in trying to assist feral cats. After contacting a number of other animal lovers, we teamed up in November last year,” said Rutledge.

“We target mainly the public areas, such as public parking lots, and sterilise and inoculate the cats. We also assist with trapping and transporting cats that need help.”

Doidge, along with his team at the state vet, the Durban and Coast SPCA and Rutledge, is currently putting together a plan of action to defeat the rabies outbreak.

Also read: Mandeni dog tests positive for rabies

“We need to look at the situation holistically,” said Doidge.

“We are opposed to wiping out the feral cat population entirely, as they have grown over the years and keep other feral cats out of the area.” However, rabid cats are incredibly dangerous and attack easily, and something will need to be done soon.

“It is imperative that we receive support from the community.”

A large number of Blythedale residents visited the local shopping centre with their fur-babies on Friday morning for free rabies vaccinations.

Chairlady of the Feline Feral Fund (FFF) in Ballito, Sharon Cossey, said the feral cats in Blythedale are not part of the FFF’s feeding colonies, and recently met with Doidge to discuss the rabies outbreak in KZN and its effect on feral cat colonies.

“As chairlady of Feline Feral Fund, the only recognised NPO dealing with the feral cat population on the North Coast for the past 15 years, I request the public not to panic and have a negative approach towards our feral cat colonies.”

To date FFF have sterilised over 3000 cats, all having had a rabies shot at the time of sterilisation.

“We feed over 300 cats per night and the cats are monitored on a daily basis. If any show any signs of ill-health, they are taken to the vet for treatment.

“We will be giving our feral colonies a booster rabies shot and this will be documented with the State Vet for reference purposes.

“The public must not take things into their own hands and interfere with the work being done. Any queries, please contact me on 072 266 9171 or the local SPCA”.

Doidge confirmed that more free vaccination drives will be held in Maphumulo in the coming weeks, with KwaDukuza next on the list.

Mandeni rabies inoculation programme 

The KZN Agriculture and Rural Development department will be hosting a rabies inoculation programme in Mandeni on Saturday, April 21.

Take your dogs and cats to the specified venues below. No house calls due to limited staff.

Team 1

• 9am – 10am: Impunzi Road and Inyala Road T-Junction
• 10.15am – 11.15am: Playlot / circle at Inyathi Road.
• 11.30am – 12.30pm: Mimosa Place circle at Lala Nathi side.
• 12.45pm – 1.15pm: Whimbrel Road – open space opposite Long Street.
• 1.30pm – 2.30pm: Open space opposite Mandeni Medical Centre on Long Street.

Team 2

• 9am – 10am: Ted Pavitt park – Stratten circle.
• 10.15am – 11.15am: Richard Circle park.
• 11.30am – 12.30pm: Corner of Anderson Road and Farrow Road.
• 12.45pm – 1.15pm: John Henderson park – corner of Greig Road and Johnston Road.
• 1.30pm – 2.30pm: Open space opposite Mandeni Medical Centre on Long Street..

For inquiries contact Kgomotso on 076 971 1442 or Keitumetse on 076 953 2109.

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