According to Dr. Nina Boshoff, a veterinarian at the local NGO, HALO (Hoedspruit Animal Outreach), they continuously raise awareness in rural communities throughout the year and regularly run free vaccination programmes. She said that rabies is one of the deadliest global diseases, and is almost always fatal unless treatment is sought immediately after exposure. “One of the most common sources of rabies exposure to humans is domestic dogs, and unfortunately in Hoedspruit, especially in our outlying communities, most dogs remain unvaccinated.
“Tragically, it is usually the most vulnerable in our communities who are most at risk, the children. Indeed a child in Sekororo passed away earlier this year from rabies,” She said rabies is 100% vaccine-preventable. “I urge all dog owners to ensure that their dogs are up to date with their yearly rabies vaccinations – not only will this protect yourself and your families, but you help protect the wildlife in our wildlife haven who are also at risk,” she said.
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Last year HALO vaccinated 1729 dogs. They aim to vaccinate 70% of the dogs in the communities they assist. Visit www.haloutreach.co.za for more information on their work. Meanwhile, the state veterinarian for Hoedspruit and surrounds, Dr. Christiaan Steinmann told the Herald that there are ‘teams vaccinating dogs in Sekororo and the neighboring villages and that responsible pet owners can contact 060 543 0325 regarding the campaign in Sekororo.
More about rabies vaccinations SAVA (South African Veterinary Association) stipulates that your dog or cat should receive the first rabies vaccine at 12 weeks (3 months) of age with a booster between 1 to 12 months later. After that, your pet should be vaccinated against rabies annually. The association states that ‘It is never too late for your pet to receive their first vaccination, followed by the booster protocol.’ Therefore, you can vaccinate your pet if you have not done so before or if you are unsure of their vaccination status, no matter how old your pet is already.
SAVA further states that effectively vaccinating and boosting pets create a buffer of protection for humans. What should you do if you suspect an animal has rabies? Do not handle the animal and contact your local state or private veterinarian immediately for advice and assistance. What should you do if you have been bitten, scratched, or licked by an animal with suspected rabies? You need to wash the wound well with soap and running water and urgently seek medical assistance.
A series of post-exposure rabies vaccines will be administered – ideally from day 0 of exposure, but safely up to 7 days postexposure. If exposure to a rabid animal is left untreated the result will be death. Provet Animal Hospital – 015 793 0797 Maroela Animal Hospital – 015 793 0931 Dr Christiaan Steinmann – 015 793 2408 HALO – 082 692 3688.
