Sudden outbreak of rabies a serious concern
Rabies is a deadly virus which can spread to people from the saliva of infected animals.
The Lower South Coast SPCA urges all pet owners to get their pets vaccinated against rabies.
This comes after two dogs were confirmed to have tested positive for rabies in the last week.
Rabies is a deadly virus which can spread to people from the saliva of infected animals.
There is no specific treatment for rabies. Once symptoms appear, it’s nearly always fatal.
However, a vaccine can prevent infection.
Carla Steenkamp, vice chairman of the LSC SPCA said two of the dogs were found in Ramsgate and Marburg.
The third, which is suspected of rabies was collected in Gclima.
“Two of the dogs suffered from the ‘dumb form’ of rabies which means the dogs act depressed, become insensitive to pain, and develop paralysis of the throat and jaw muscles,” she explained.
She also said the animal may look like they are choking or have something stuck in their throat as they salivate and drool.
Pets with dumb rabies usually fall into a coma and die within three to 10 days of infection.
“We are pleading with pet owners to get their dogs vaccinated. We don’t know why the sudden outbreak but it’s very scary that we have rabies in our urban areas,” she added.
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