A case of rabies has been reported in the Muldersdrift area. This is the second confirmed case in two weeks.
According to Trevor Roberts from Conserv Security a jackal was found on 19 May at a business complex in the centre of Muldersdrift. Roberts said that the animal acted strangely.
A local state vet in the area said that the jackal should be shot. “The animal was not shot in the head as the testing for rabies takes place in the head,” said Roberts. The local vet who wishes to stay anonymous for security reasons said that the jackal was brought to them and was then taken to Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute in Pretoria.
The positive results for rabies came back on 23 May. Roberts said that it is believed that two people were bitten by a wild animal. However, they could not confirm that they were bitten by the affected animal. “I don’t know if this is a rabies outbreak or just [two] confirmed cases,” said Roberts.
The local state vet confirmed that the jackal was brought to a local clinic. “I have been a vet at the clinic for 13 years and this is the first time that I have come across a positive rabies case, not to mention two cases in the last two weeks,” said the vet. She could not confirm that this could be the start of an outbreak of rabies. “I don’t know why it happened so suddenly,” she said.
The vet explained that any new pets should be vaccinated and then receive a booster vaccination in the first three to nine months. “In theory the vaccination lasts for three years, but in a high-risk area like Muldersdrift it is advised that the animals are vaccinated once every 12 months,” said the vet. She advised residents of the Muldersdrift area to take a good look at their pet’s vaccination status and if the pet was not vaccinated in the last 12 months to have it vaccinated as soon as possible.
If an animal that once was tame becomes aggressive, it is usually a sign. According to the vet, the jackal was very tame and walked into the building without any fear of people. “The first sign is if an animal’s behavior changes,” explained the vet. She added that people should not approach wild animals who seem to act strangely. Any person bitten by a strange animal should seek medical attention immediately.
Details: Conserv Security, 083 488 0400.
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