World Rabies day – 28 September – marks the importance of animals, in particular dogs.
“The day highlights the impact of human and animal rabies, promoting its prevention and combating it in animals,” said member of the Pet Wise for The South African Companion Animal Council (Sacac) Martine Bauer. “Our non-governmental organisation is aimed to educate and promote Responsible Pet Ownership in SA. Hence World Rabies day is important to us to educate people about its relevants,” said Baur.
Bauer said as part of their services Sacac promotes community pet health days whereby vet members will provide services such as sterilization and vaccinations in more especially in townships. “We develop guidelines for Responsible pet ownership for individuals, breeders and gated communities as well as compile stats about Responsible Pet ownership,” said Baur.
According to the World Health Organization estimates 55 000 human deaths occur as a result of rabies, every year. A total of nine human rabies cases have been laboratory-confirmed in South Africa for 2012 to date. These include three cases each from Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal provinces and one in Mpumalanga.
Bauer said they were a lot of cases regarding dog attacks were the person was attacked. “During August 2012, rabies was confirmed in a 21-year old male from Shayamoya, KwaZulu-Natal Province. A suspected case of rabies in a 4-year-old child from Umlazi in KwaZulu-Natal is still under investigation,” said Bauer.
According to Buear most human cases (90 percent) are caused by exposure from an infected dog. However bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes are also known to be important reservoirs of the disease. “Should one be infected by an animal with rabies, or want to make sure their animal does not have rabies should take the animal to the vet. Should they not afford to take the animal to the vet they could alternatively go to SPCA. Those who have been bitten by an animal need to quickly go to the clinic and get medication.
