DOING their bit to help curb the spread of rabies in King Cetshwayo District, Empangeni SPCA held a rabies clinic on Friday afternoon.

The free rabies clinic, to which members of the public were encouraged to bring their dogs and cats for their annual vaccinations, took place on the open grass opposite the Zululand Observer offices.

A total of 140 animals were vaccinated – both dogs and cats – as pet owners heeded the call.

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Microchipping was also done for R100 per animal, and pet licences – mandatory under City of uMhlathuze by-laws – were also sold.

KwaZulu-Natal is in the midst of a rabies outbreak, with authorities urging pet owners to abide by the law and have their dogs and cats vaccinated annually.

According to recent reports by the Rabies Awareness Body in eShowe (Rabies), last month a water mongoose in Gingindlovu tested positive for the deadly disease.

The mongoose ran into a farmer’s workshop and tried to bite the farmer’s ankle – abnormal behaviour for a mongoose.

“He managed to fend off the animal a few times as it went for him repeatedly, and finally managed to clonk it on the head to subdue it,” reported the Rabies Facebook page on 8 January.

“The animal was euthanised and submitted by State Veterinary Services for rabies testing, and was confirmed positive for rabies.”

Being rabies aware

“Be reminded to vaccinate your pets and to remind your friends to keep their pets’ rabies vaccines up to date,” urges the Rabies Awareness Body in eShowe.

“Tell your children about rabies. Rabies is a very real threat in KZN (where we are based) and can be relatively easily prevented if armed with the correct knowledge.

“Any wound or scratch from an unknown dog, cat or other mammal should be thoroughly washed with soap and water for ten minutes, after which you should seek urgent professional medical advice at your nearest clinic or doctor and start a course of injections.”

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