Montclair dog rescuer urges pet owners to vaccinate their fur-babies
Pet owners are urged to get their animals vaccinated to curb the spread of rabies.
Priya Naidoo of PB Paw and Rescue Montclair and Yellowwood Park urges pet owners to vaccinate their dogs. This comes after the spike in rabies cases in the city recently.
According to eThekwini Municipality, seven cases of human rabies have been confirmed within the city district since January, with the latest two being reported between November 21 and 25.
Rabies is a virus that affects the nervous system of both dogs, humans and other mammals. It is transmitted through saliva from a bite or contact with broken skin by the affected animal.
Early symptoms may be very similar to those of the flu including general weakness or discomfort, fever, or headache, as well as pain and tingling, pricking, or burning sensation at the wound site.
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“An infected dog is very dangerous. They can infect another animal or a human with a bite. Rabies is transmitted via saliva to an open wound. Some believe that symptoms are immediate but this is not the case, some have flu-like symptoms after a week, so it is important to get yourself treated by a medical practitioner.
“Vaccination is very important for every pet and responsible pet owners will have their pets vaccinated, remember rabies is contagious via saliva. Keep your pet safe at all times and on your property, most roaming dogs are unvaccinated and can infect your dog. Report any dogs who appear sick, disoriented, unbalanced, aggressive, to your local vet, SPCA or rescue organisations. Educate those around you on vaccinations of their pets as this is the key to curb the spread of this deadly virus,” said Naidoo.
EThekwini Municipality’s spokesperson, Msawake Mayisela advised those who may have been bitten by a dog to seek medical attention immediately as rabies in humans is often fatal.
“But it can be treated if medical attention is sought early. Numerous animal species may be affected by rabies, but it is most common in domestic dogs,” he said.
Naidoo also cautions the public to not abuse dogs and animals in fear of rabies but instead call for assistance.
PB Paw and Rescue Montclair and Yellowwood Park is a non-profit organisation that rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes dogs within the Montclair, Yellowwood Park, Woodlands, and Woodhaven areas. To donate to the worthy cause or for more information contact Priya on 083 388 7237.
