Pet owners urged to vaccinate their pets against rabies
Help prevent rabies by vaccinating your pets.
What is rabies?
Rabies is a disease that affects the brain and leads to the death of the person or animal infected with it – it is an incurable disease.
How is the disease spread?
The virus occurs in the saliva of rabid animals and if bitten by a rabid animal you can get infected.
It is therefore recommended that you never touch a strange animal in a high-risk rabies area – especially if they appear to be sick.
If bitten by a rabid animal you should thoroughly disinfect the wound and immediately consult a medical professional.
Rabid animals must be reported to the nearest state veterinarian – as soon as possible.
READ: Rabies – Know the facts
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms vary but include a change in behaviour, aggression levels and salivation.
Symptoms can also include paralysis.
How do you control rabies?
Vaccination is the only protection against rabies.
READ: How does Coronavirus (COVID-19) affect your pets and animals?
Pet owners are encouraged to vaccinate their dogs and cats, and encourage everyone around you to do the same.
Humans who work with animals in high-risk areas should also get vaccinated against rabies.
*Information from the South African Veterinary Council.
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or Miné Fourie (journalist) minev@caxton.co.za
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