The Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) has warned the public of the rabies threat in the Lanseria and Mulderdrift area.
Four cases of rabid jackals, three in Lanseria and one in Muldersdrift, were reported and confirmed by the GDARD this week. The department initiated vaccination campaigns in the area and is encouraging pet owners to vaccinate their pets as soon as possible.
GDARD said it is compulsory for dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies and that failure to vaccinate “is illegal and a public health risk”.
In order to ensure that there is a high degree of immunity against rabies among the pet population, the Gauteng Veterinary Services will have a booster vaccination campaign in and around the affected areas:
13 June
• Muldersdrift Liquor Store from noon until 4pm
• Lanseria Riverside Estate Gate from noon until 4pm
14 June
• Lion Park from 8.30am until 11am
• Lanseria Informal Settlement at the Thabo Mbeki Taxi Rank from noon until 4pm
• Zandspruit Informal Settlement from noon until 4pm
15 June
• Lion and Rhino Park entrance from 8.30am until 10am
Pet owners can expect no cost for the veterinary services and are encouraged to bring their dogs and cats for vaccination.
The Directorate of Veterinary Services is confident that with the help of municipalities, other animal welfare organisations, as well as the public, the “serious” situation can soon be brought under control.
If you would like more information of the campaigns contact the State Veterinarian Office in Randfontein on 011 411 4300.
GDARD said previously reported cases of rabies were in 2015 in Helderkruin and Mindalore found in domestic animals.
Related articles:
• Unconfirmed warning of rabies
• DA concerned about recent rabies case
• Rabies confirmed, two people allegedly bitten
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