Rabies cases identified in Boksburg

After positive cases of rabies were identified in Boksburg recently, the state vet provided free veterinary services at the Boksburg Stadium, last week.

The contagious and viral disease was identified in Parkrand, Cinderella, Libradene, Farrar Park, Parkdene and the Boksburg CBD.

According to co-chairperson of the Benoni SPCA, Shelley Owens, there haven’t been any reported cases of rabies in Benoni.

Owens said the SPCA does not want to cause panic amongst Benoni residents.

She said that for those who want to vaccinate their dogs, vaccinations are available at the Benoni SPCA during normal office hours, at R10 each.

Their office hours are Monday to Friday (8.30am to 4.30pm) and Saturdays (8.30am to 12.30pm), and every second Saturday (8.30am to 2pm).

“Vaccination for rabies is compulsory when animals cross borders,” added Owens.

She said it is a legal requirement for owners to have their pets vaccinated and it is the state vet’s responsibility to do bulk vaccinations for dangerous diseases, but the SPCA helps where they can.

Owens noted that symptoms could be related to another problem and diagnosis must be made by a qualified veterinarian.

For more information regarding the vaccination process, contact the state vet, Dr Duma Mpofu, on 011 821 7709.

Look out for the following symptoms and signs of rabies in your animal:

•Foaming at the mouth

•Disorientation

•Staggering

•Loss of appetite

•Weakness

•Seizures