Vaccinate your pet for free and prevent rabies in Estcourt
Due to the high fatality rate of rabies infection, prevention remains the cornerstone of management
Dr Jenny Preiss
State Veterinarian, uThukela District
Rabies is an ongoing human and animal health concern in Kwa-Zulu-Natal. Rabies is a highly fatal viral disease of the central nervous system.
It is transmitted in the saliva of infected animals that may include reservoir species such as dogs and other canids, mongoose, bats, etc.
It is a zoonotic disease so if an animal has the disease, it can pass it on to humans. Treatment for rabies is effective so if you are exposed to the virus; you should seek treatment at your nearest clinic or hospital on that same day.
Due to the high fatality rate of rabies infection, prevention remains the cornerstone of management.
There is currently a severe rabies outbreak focused mainly in King Ceshwayo, Illembe and Ethekwini districts with three human rabies fatalities and 120 positive animal cases occurring in KZN so far this year.
We have had several positive animal cases on the border of uThukela and we, as uThukela Veterinary Services, aim to be proactive in rabies prevention in preventing dog bites and encouraging animal owners to have their cats and dogs vaccinated for rabies.
With the community’s help; we can increase rabies awareness and combat this fatal disease. We aim to do so through several approaches such as ongoing rabies vaccinations; rabies extension on the radio and at farmer’s days, and rabies education to community health care givers and livestock association members.
Please ensure your dog and cats are vaccinated for rabies; this is a legal requirement!
Free rabies vaccination clinics in EstcourtColita:
June 7 at Sagittarius and Jennings roads, sports field in Gemini Road and the RDP area from 2.30pm to 5pm.Forderville
June 8 at the Forderville Hall, 6th Avenue and the Papkuilsfontein Hall from 2.30pm to 5pm.Town
June 9 at the park behind Drakensview Primary School, corner of Pylon and De Vaal roads, Brewitt Park and on the corner of Elizabeth Avenue and Brewitt road from 8am to 12pm.
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