Students give out free rabies vaccines for dogs and cats
It is extremely important to keep your pet's rabies vaccination up to date.
Adorable puppies and kittens got to visit with students on Wednesday, while also getting their rabies vaccinations up to date.
Students of the North-West University, the SANDF and the Department of Agriculture had a Rabies Vaccination Drive on September 18.
Members of the community were urged to bring their cats and dogs for free rabies vaccinations at the West Acres shopping centre.
Prof. Lynn Preston, who teaches Educational Psychology at NWU, says the students are doing an honours module in community health.
“They have to plan and execute a health intervention drive. We networked with all the mentioned role-players and decided on a Rabies Vaccination Drive. We all came together today to educate people about Rabies.”
Dr. Lekota, who teaches Microbiology and Zoology at NWU, says that rabies is a deadly virus that can be transferred from animals to humans.
“The virus is transferred to humans through a bite. The virus attacks your nervous system and travels to the brain. The first symptoms may be a headache and fever.”
Dr. Elise van der Merwe, specialist in rabies, says when a person is bitten, you have to act as fast as possible.
“People need to know that rabies is deadly. There is no cure. Only prevention. Once you are bitten, you have to immediately treat it as if you are infected. You have to wash the wound immediately with water, call a doctor and get vaccinated. Do not wait for symptoms or a positive test.”
Van der Merwe also says that vaccinations for those who are affected, are given on day 0, 3, 7, 14 and 21. If you are positive, make sure to get all these vaccinations. People who are positive will also get a hyper immune serum to take.
Rabies in animals should be reported to a vet immediately. They will then report it to the state.
Van der Merwe goes on to say that you should not pick up stray animals on the road.
“Be very alert when it comes to rabies. Don’t pick up stray animals. Make sure you are vaccinated and if bitten, get immediate treatment, do not wait. People die of rabies because of their ignorance,” Van der Merwe states.
The aim of World Rabies Day, which is on September 20, is to eradicate the rabies animal-human transmission by 2030.
and Elmari Fouché.
vaccinated.
