VIDEO: Kloof SPCA confirms 13th positive case of rabies for 2018 [not for sensitive viewers]
A three-month-old puppy was rushed to the Kloof and Highway SPCA. It was diagnosed with neurological issues and humanely euthanased. Tests confirmed positive for rabies.
A TWELVE-WEEK-OLD cross breed puppy was taken to the Kloof and Highway SPCA on Monday, 1 October. It was in a tremendous amount of pain and humanely euthanased.
It was also the NPO’s 13th confirmed rabies case this year.
The puppy was taken into the Kloof and Highway SPCA reception by a member of the public who found it in her garden in Wyebank.
“Our reception staff immediately noticed that there was something wrong with it. When examined, the puppy was observed to have neurological issues and was extremely vocal. The decision was made to humanly euthanase the puppy. It was sent to the state vet for rabies testing,” said the Kloof and Highway SPCA’s Brigitte Ferguson.
“Once the test was conducted, a positive rabies result was confirmed. This is the 13th positive rabies result this year at the Kloof and Highway SPCA. This puppy was suffering and could have infected other animals and people with the rabies virus. We are so grateful to the lady and her son who rushed the puppy to our SPCA and saved it from further suffering.”
Once the results was confirmed, the woman who took in the dog was contacted and notified. She confirmed that five people had been in contact with the puppy before it was taken to the local SPCA.
ALSO READ:Â UPDATE: Kloof SPCA confirms Westville rabies case
“We urge members of public to make sure their pets are vaccinated against rabies as well as exercise caution when approaching stray animals. If you find a stray animal you are not familiar with, only approach if it is safe to do so and absolutely necessary.
“In the event of being bitten or scratched, immediately wash the area very well and flush under running water and seek medical attention. If you are bitten or scratched by and animal with no proof of vaccination you will be required to go for a costly course of rabies vaccinations treatment. Rabies is fatal and the threat of it should not be taken lightly. We strongly advise against keeping any stray animals with the rising threat of rabies,” concluded Ferguson.
ALSO READ: Rabies warning sent out to Palmiet Drive residents
For any animal related emergencies during office hours, contact the Kloof and Highway SPCA on 031 764 1212 and for after-hour emergencies contact 073 335 9322.
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