What you need to know about rabies
JOBURG – It is important for pet owners to make sure their pets receive the proper rabies vaccinations.
A third case of rabies in a three-week period was confirmed in Renosterspruit Cradle of Humankind, on 31 May by a local veterinarian. This came as a shock after two previous cases of rabies were reported. It has been confirmed that the jackal was infected with rabies.
Rabies is a contagious, fatal viral disease of dogs and other mammals.
Ondekkers Animal Hospital veterinarian Dr Rochelle Ehrlich said that according to the law all animals should be vaccinated from ages eight to 12 weeks for rabies. The second vaccine should be administered between one to two months after the first vaccination.
“Pets that are suspected to have rabies need to be isolated and their owners need to contact a veterinarian immediately. If they have had rabies vaccinations they would need a booster rabies vaccination. Pets need to get one every three years and cats need to have one every year,” said Dr Ehrlich.
How to identify pets with rabies:
• Change in pet’s behavior
• Excessively aggressive
• Excessive drooling
• When offered water, tend not to want to drink.
Dr Ehrlich said that if a person has been bitten or scratched by an infected animal, they need to immediately go to the hospital to get treated. “By law there is a massive fine if a pet has not been vaccinated, so it is important to always make sure that they are,” said Dr Ehrlich.
Update:
The third case of rabies is confirmed
