It was reported, on Monday, 23rd August, that rabies was diagnosed in two dogs in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. Historically, bat-eared foxes are more commonly involved as rabies reservoirs in the Western Cape area, and rabies in dogs is not commonly reported.

We cannot allow ourselves to be oblivious to the fact that Rabies is 100% fatal and it affects animals and humans alike! However, rabies is also 100% preventable if we all do our part – for our pets and for ourselves. This recent outbreak emphasizes that no matter where you live in South Africa, rabies has the potential to affect you. Whether it be due to spill-over from wildlife cycles or infected dogs imported into the area from areas more severely affected. Afrivet urges you to ensure that your dogs and cats are vaccinated against rabies.

If you are bitten, scratched, or licked by an animal with changed behavior, wash the wound or contact area immediately, using soap and running water. Do this for at least 10 minutes. Immediately seek medical attention and inform the attending health care professional that you might have been exposed to rabies. The state veterinarian should also be informed so that they can examine the animal to determine your risk. The medical professional will administer post-exposure prophylaxis (rabies immunoglobulins and vaccines) according to your risk assessment and exposure category. Reporting these incidents to both medical and veterinary professionals will literally save lives.

Dr Didi Claassen, Afrivet’s Executive – Technical and Marketing Support says: “We do not have to fear Rabies. We simply need to do our part and make sure that our pets are vaccinated and report suspect animals. This is our only hope to control this disease.”