Cape Town - Western Cape officials have launched an investigation to determine the source of a rabies outbreak, after the provincial Department of Agriculture Veterinary Services confirmed rabies cases in two dogs in Khayelitsha.
Rabies is a viral disease, affecting animals and people.
“It is transmitted by saliva or other body fluids, and a dog or person can be infected by being bitten, scratched or licked by a rabid animal. However, rabies is very easy to prevent by vaccinating dogs and cats,” said Western Cape Veterinary Service head Dr Gininda Msiza.
Officials were vaccinating pets in Khayelitsha and affected areas this week, in response to the cases. Dogs with rabies often show a behavioural change and become suddenly aggressive or unusually tame for no reason.
“Dogs with rabies struggle to swallow and often walk around with their mouths open, drooling, or making choking sounds, as if they have something stuck in their throat. If you suspect a dog has rabies, do not touch it and contact your nearest private or state veterinarian immediately,” said Msiza.
The Animal Welfare Society of South Africa has issued an Amber Alert, after receiving confirmation that two dogs from Khayelitsha tested positive for rabies last week.
The organisation said these two confirmed cases were the first in more than 27 years within the Cape Metro, with an individual dog testing positive for rabies in 1994.
“Rabies is circulating in a number of provinces in South Africa and it is probable that these two dogs, who share no other common connection, were brought into the Cape Metro by their unsuspecting owners, or travelled to and from one of the provinces with a high prevalence of rabies together with their owners.
“To avoid the spread of rabies throughout the province, we strongly advise all pet owners to get their dogs or cats vaccinated if they have not received their rabies vaccination in the last three years,” said the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa.
Agriculture MEC Dr Ivan Meyer said: “Our animal health technicians began vaccinating dogs and cats in the area yesterday. We are working closely with the welfare organisations and medical doctors, to check on contacts and any people who may have been bitten and need treatment.
“If you suspect that you have had contact with a rabid animal, getting preventative treatment as soon as possible can save your life. Wash any bite or scratch wound thoroughly with soap and water, and then go immediately to your doctor or clinic to get rabies vaccinations. The sooner you receive treatment, the better you will be protected against rabies.”
For more information, contact chief state veterinarian Dr Gary Buhrmann through email at [email protected] or call 021 808 5026, or visit the website https://www.elsenburg.com/services-and-programmes/veterinary-services
To book a vaccination for your pet call 021 692 2626.
Cape Times