Rabies vaccination drives to start soon

THE KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture say they will embark on their next rabies drive in March. Speaking to Northglen News, department spokesperson, Phathisa Mfuyo, said they were currently on an awareness drive around the province educating people about the dangers of interacting with strange animals.

Mfuyo said the department planned on releasing the rabies vaccination timetable for various areas in and around eThekwini in March.

“We are continuing with vaccinations at our regional offices and are currently on an awareness drive. Our aim is to make people aware of the dangers of being bitten by a dog and what to do in the event of a dog bite. We will soon be setting up and distributing a timetable detailing vaccination stations around Durban,” she said.

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According to Mfuyo, 14 cases of the virus in dogs have been reported.

Durban & Coast SPCA spokesperson, Tanya Fleischer, echoed Mfuyo’s thoughts but also urged residents to vaccinate their pets for the disease

“Rabies is preventable, not curable. Our message to pet owners is to ensure your pets are receiving their rabies vaccination annually. The first vaccination is at three months old, and every 12 months thereafter. Rabies vaccinations are free from any State Veterinary Office or R35 at SPCA. They are also available at your private vet,” she said.

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Feeding the Furballs, an NPO assisting animal rescues in the province said they would also try to help coordinate a drive with the department.

“I’ve been in contact with the state vets and I’m aware the focus on rabies education and awareness is mainly in rural areas. We are hoping that we can find a local vet to assist with the administration of the vaccinations and charge the public a very minimal fee,” she said.

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