How to protect pets against rabies

Rabies cases are rising across KZN – and King Cetshwayo District – with pet and livestock owners urged to take precautions.

This disease spreads quickly, and even residents whose pets never leave their yard must take all the necessary precautions.

ALSO READ: Rabies cases rise in King Cetshwayo District

The annual vaccination against rabies is a legal requirement to animal ownership.

Some questions answered by the Rabies Awareness Body in eShowe:

Q: It looks like there is so much rabies. What do I do?

A: Vaccinate your dogs and cats twice within the first year, and thereafter annually. Vaccinating your pets really does protect your family, and the vaccine is very safe. Even if you live in a walled garden, remember that rabid animals can jump over walls.

Q: Ensure those around you are rabies aware, but what does being rabies aware mean?

A: Any scratch or nip from an unknown or unvaccinated animal should be washed with soap and running water for 10 minutes. Then you should immediately proceed to the nearest clinic for evaluation. One drop of blood is sufficient for a scratch or bite to be classified as a category 3 exposure, which means full rabies preventative treatment is necessary. These are often the most dangerous, as people underestimate their importance, and these tiny wounds often go unnoticed in children.

Don’t have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here:

HAVE YOUR SAY