DURBAN - eThekwini Municipality announced on Monday that a free rabies vaccination campaign will be held from April 5 to 11 in Durban South areas to curb the spread of the virus.
The city in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will be visiting areas in Merebank, Austerville, Clairwood, and the Bluff.
The campaign aims to curb the spread of rabies and to improve knowledge of rabies among communities.
Municipal spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela said the vaccinations would be given to pets for free.
“Pet owners must bring their animal’s certificate from the previous vaccinations. If they do not have one, a certificate will be issued on the day,” he said.
Mayisela said rabies was prevalent in the city, with the south sub-district most affected.
This was followed by the west sub-district and north sub-district, he said.
“Domestic dogs are the most common reservoir of the virus, with more than 99% of human deaths related to rabies being caused by dog-mediated rabies,” he said.
Mayisela added that while the government had measures in place to prevent rabies and treat rabies cases, there was the challenge of people who had been bitten by a rabid animal delaying seeking medical treatment.
“Another challenge is patients not completing their scheduled treatment,”he said.
Members of the public can call 031-3115150/ 031-3115153/031-3115162 for more information on the vaccination schedule.
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