A rabid dog found in Shakaskraal last week shows the importance of up-to-date pet vaccinations.

The old dog had previously been vaccinated against rabies but it had been years since its most recent shot. Per the National Institute of Communicable Diseases, pet vaccinations should be a regular occurrence rather than a once off.

“Rabies can be controlled by vaccinating dogs (and cats), thereby protecting those animals and decreasing the risk of human exposure to the virus. All domestic dogs and cats should be vaccinated against rabies from 12 weeks of age, again 12 months later, and then every 1-3 years,” reads the Institute’s website.

As KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is a high risk area for the disease, annual vaccinations are recommended.

Last week’s case was the first in iLembe since December 2023, where a goat in Ndwedwe was found to be infected. But the situation across the province makes for less positive reading.

According to the Dolphin Coast Rabies Awareness group, there were 97 cases found in animals across KZN in 2024. There were also three human cases identified in Richmond, Inanda and Umlazi and all three were killed by the virus, including a three-year-old.

Often rabid dogs can become aggressive, but they can also develop a dumb form of rabies and become tame and placid. Because of the wide range of symptoms that rabies can present with, it is advised not to approach any dog that you do not know.

If bitten or scratched by a potential rabies carrier, wash the wound with soap and running water for 20 minutes. Seek medical care for a series of four vaccinations. If bitten, rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) injections are also required directly into the wound. Insist on proper treatment and ask for the nearest facility with the vaccine if needed.

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