Rabies outbreak: More and more pets vaccinated
A Herald journalist took her three cats to be vaccinated.
Following the announcement of a rabies outbreak in the Cradle of Humankind in July, the State Veterinary Services have been working tirelessly to get as many pets vaccinated as possible.
On Tuesday, August 17, they once again gave residents the opportunity to bring their pets for a free rabies vaccination.
Estelle Visser and Doctor Chili from the State Veterinary Services vaccinated about 130 animals between 09:00 and 12:00.
The Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) confirmed the rabies outbreak in the Cradle of Humankind following an attack on three women.
A statement from GDARD said, “The outbreak was first diagnosed in five jackals between June 26 and July 5”.
On July 25 a Kromdraai woman carrying a baby was attacked by a honey badger, and the next morning another woman from the same area was attacked by a honey badger. Her neighbour who tried to help her was also attacked.
Every pet owner who had their pet vaccinated on Tuesday received a certificate, and Randfontein Herald journalist Michelle Roodt also took her three cats, Daisy, Jet and Cleo to get their jabs.
Another visitor was Sasha the ten-year-old Boerbull, weighing in at 70kg. She could not be brought by vehicle and her owners, Harry and Pero Gurovich walked her there.
Harry explained that Sasha is a spoiled girl who does not like other dogs, but loves people.
Annelie Radmaovich showed up with a bakkie load of feral cats. She said many cats get dumped in Delporton, and the cats just show up at the factory. Each of these cats are loved and cared for by Annelie.
So naturally, after getting the ten cats living there sterilised, she wanted to make sure they were vaccinated.
Annelie said it was especially important to vaccinate the feral cats because they have a tendency to roam.
In their earlier statement GDARD emphasised:
• It is compulsory for all dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies. Failure to vaccinate domestic pets is illegal, and is a public health risk.
• Members of the public should avoid touching or caressing strange, injured, or sick animals.
• If a person or domestic pet was bitten by a strange animal, the local State Veterinarian or Local Government Health Authority should be contacted immediately.
• Pets that have not been vaccinated against rabies should be taken to the nearest private veterinarian immediately for a health check and to be vaccinated.
• People should avoid contact with wildlife such as jackals and honey badgers.
To get hold of the State Veterinary Service you can contact Dr Jaison Mpofu on 072 900 0869, or Estelle Visser on 082 336 9202.
