4 Paws warns community of rabies outbreak
It is vital that every pet owner takes responsibility and have their animals vaccinated; there is no cure for rabies, it is fatal.
Residents are urged to have all pets vaccinated amid a recent spike in reported rabies cases.
According to Nicky Koekemoer of 4 Paws and a Tale Rescue, there have been multiple cases of dogs contracting rabies in the area, as well as a case where a person had been bitten by a rabid dog in the street.
“We’ve found that, with the recent lockdown, people who would usually have vaccinated their animals have put it off, and the surge in local rabies cases now puts pets and their owners at risk,” said Koekemoer. In the Amanzimtoti area, there have been three confirmed cases in the past two weeks. It is vital that every pet owner takes responsibility and have their animals vaccinated; there is no cure for rabies, it is fatal. Pet owners should also ensure all pets are kept away from street-facing locations where they are more vulnerable to passing dogs.”
They should ensure their properties are secure so that there is no chance of wandering dogs entering or exposure to potentially rabid dogs.
“If you’ve been bitten by a suspected rabid dog, you must thoroughly clean the wound with disinfectant and seek urgent medical care. You will then be given a series of injections to stop infection, including rabies vaccine to prevent you from getting the disease. If left untreated, the rabies infection will be established. Vaccinating your pets is the only way to prevent the spread of rabies. We need to all be responsible pet owners to protect one another.”
4 Paws and a Tale Rescue feeds, shelters and provides medical care for stray animals. To find out, visit www.4pawsandatalerescue.co.za or call Nicky on 084-626-5508.
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