Warning: The symptoms can be fatal

The Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development issued a public warning last week after a case of rabies was reported in Helderkruin.

The isolated incident where a nine-year-old bull terrier was diagnosed with Rabies put animal clinics on alert.

They cautioned pet owners to have their pets vaccinated immediately.

Animal clinics stressed about the importance of vaccination as the key to ensuring the disease is not spread to other animals and humans.

“It is compulsory for pet owners to have their pets vaccinated. This is the only way to prevent rabies from spreading,” said Community Led Animal Welfare (Claw) veterinarian Saskia Karius.

Saskia’s comment was echoed by Roodekruin Animal Clinic.

Veterinarian Johan van Niekerk said they were aware about the rabies incident and immediately alerted their clients.

“We sent SMS’s to all our clients informing them about the case and to have their pets vaccinated if they were not. We find that a lot of animals are not vaccinated. Although the State Vet has indicated that it will be doing vaccinations, I do not recommend pet owners to wait for the State Vet to take action. The best thing to do is to take your pet in to the nearest animal clinic immediately,” he said.

Rabies is a preventable viral disease that infects the central nervous system and causes disease in the brain.

The rabies virus is transmitted from infected animals to humans through scratches, bites or licks on mucous membranes of the lips or eyes.

“The virus cannot be transmitted through intact skin, so touching, petting or being close to the animals is not a risk. In addition to dogs, cats, cattle, bats and mongoose can transmit rabies. There is no effective treatment and once symptoms start, death is inevitable,” said Saskia.

“Dogs and cats should be given vaccine at three months of age, a booster within the following nine months, and every three years thereafter. If pet owners are not sure if their pets have been vaccinated, they should visit a vet clinic immediately,” said Saskia.

The first symptoms of rabies are flu-like, including fever, headache and fatigue, which progresses to involve the respiratory, gastrointestinal and central nervous systems.

There may be signs of hyperactivity or paralysis.

In both instances, there is progressive paralysis, followed by coma. Death occurs during the first seven days of illness.

“This is the most fatal disease to human beings. It is a horrible disease to die from. Generally they put people who have contracted rabies are put in an induced coma because of hallucinations,” said National Council of Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) veterinarian Bryce Marock.

Several tests are available to confirm rabies disease once a person becomes ill; however, there are no tests which can detect if rabies has been transmitted from exposure to a rabid animal before a person becomes ill.

In animals, rabies is diagnosed using a test which looks for the presence of rabies virus in brain tissue.

They may show a lack of fear, be aggressive, seem disoriented, paralyzed and salivate excessively.

An infectious rabid animal may be healthy in appearance and behaviour for a period of time prior to the onset of clinical rabies.

“People should not panic. If people see a stray or hurt dog, they should not approach it but rather contact relevant authorities for assistance. Just because a dog is angry and barking does not mean it has rabies, the animal might be frightened so don’t harm it,” said NSPCA spokesperson Christine Kuch.

Vaccination does not eliminate the need for additional therapy after rabies exposure, it simplifies management by eliminating the need for anti-rabies immune globulin and decreasing the number of doses of vaccine needed.

The Gauteng Veterinary Services will have a booster vaccination campaign at no cost to the pet owner.

Residents living in Helderkruin and surrounding areas are urged to bring their pets for vaccination.

Helderkruin Municipal Clinic, Kloofendal Nature Reserve on 11 and 12 May from 10am to 5pm and Laerskool Helderkruin from 2pm to 5pm.