Rabies alert – what you need to know

RANDBURG/ROODEPOORT – It has been confirmed that 18 jackals, two cows, and one domestic dog have contracted rabies in Muldersdrift (Cradle of Humankind), and surrounding areas, this year.

This information has been verified and was correct as at 22 August by the Department of Communicable Diseases.

It is vital, as well as a legal requirement, that pets have their rabies vaccination. Rabies vaccinations are required by law every three years, however, it is preferable that this is done annually. If your pets have not had their annual vaccinations in the last 12 months, please make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible.

There is no cure for rabies once clinical signs occur, and an infected animal usually dies within five days

Transmission is typically through physical contact. The virus travels through the spinal cord and brain in the later stages. Once it enters the saliva glands and produces foaming of the mouth, it is considered advanced and highly contagious.

Rabies: What Pet Parents Should Know

Any animal bitten or scratched by either a wild, carnivorous mammal or a bat that is not available for testing should be regarded as having been exposed to rabies.

Unvaccinated dogs and cats exposed to a rabid animal should be euthanised immediately. If the owner is unwilling to have this done, the dog or cat will be placed in strict isolation for six months and vaccinated one month before being released.

Typical symptoms of rabies in animals:

• The early signs of rabies typically include behavioural changes. The animal may appear anxious, aggressive or more friendly than normal.
• As the disease progresses, animals develop hypersensitivity to light and sound. They may also have seizures and/or become extremely vicious.
• The final stage of rabies is typified by paralysis of the nerves that control the head and throat – the animal will hyper-salivate and lose the ability to swallow. As the paralysis progresses, the animal eventually goes into respiratory failure and dies.

The Incubation period between exposure to the disease and the onset of clinical signs of rabies can vary greatly. The typical period is three to eight weeks, but it can be as little as nine days or as long as several years, in some rare cases.

On 9 October from 9am–12pm, Randburg SPCA will be offering rabies vaccinations for pets, to the public. Your pets can be vaccinated in the car as this takes only a few seconds.Vaccinations will be on a first come, first served basis, as they have a limited supply of serum. Cost per vaccination is R150.