Toti SPCA answers call for state injections after rabies outbreak

A RECENT outbreak of rabies in Illovo and Umgababa have left locals who own pets along with those who don’t, fearful and concerned.

Amanzimtoti SPCA is in the process of finalising a date for state vet rabies injections to take place.

“We have had two positive cases of rabies,” explained Zakhona Mzelemu of Amanzimtoti SPCA. “The first was in Umgababa and the second a while later in Illovo. The dog in the Illovo rabies case had bitten a person, but they managed to receive treatment in time.”

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The Sun clarified that there would be no state rabies injections this year, but due to the crisis the area finds itself in, Amanzimtoti SPCA is in the process of discussing the issue with the Department of Agriculture to decide when state rabies injections can be offered.

“Hopefully by the end of next week rabies injection stations will be available to the public from Amanzimtoti and further down South,” said Zakhona.

The Amanzimtoti SPCA reminds the public to never pick up stray animals and take them home, as this highers the risk of transmitting fatal diseases and viruses between not only the house hold pets, but the humans themselves.

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In the case of picking up a stray or spotting one that may show strange behaviour, contact the Amanzimtoti SPCA on 031-904-2424/5 or the state vet on 031-302-2800 immediately.