Pet and animal owners alike are being urged to have their animals vaccinated after cases of rabies have been reported on the West Rand recently. The Gauteng Department of Agriculture reported that three people in Kromdraai tested positive for rabies after they were attacked by a honey badger. The three are currently receiving post-exposure prophylactic treatment.
Government facilities offer rabies vaccinations to cats and dogs free of charge. It’s important to keep in mind that vaccinations are only valid if they are provided by a vet, a veterinary nurse or authorised animal health technician.
Dr Didi Claasen, executive technical and market support at AfriVet said vaccinating pets during this outbreak is the only hope of controlling the disease. “If you reside in an area where rabies is common or there is a current outbreak, it is especially important to report any suspicious animals or animal behaviour to your local state veterinarian or animal health technician.”
Should you get bitten, scratched or licked by an animal that might have rabies, Claasen advised to wash the wound or contact area immediately with soap and running water. “Do this for at least 10 minutes. Immediately seek medical attention and inform the attending healthcare professional that you might have been exposed to rabies.”
Dr Estelle Visser from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Gauteng warned that failure to vaccinate domestic animals against rabies is illegal and a public health risk.
Members of the public should avoid touching or caressing strange, injured, or sick animals. If a person or domestic pet is bitten by a strange animal, their local State Veterinarian or Local Government Health Authority should be contacted immediately. Pets that have not been vaccinated against rabies should immediately be taken to the nearest private veterinarian for a health check and to be vaccinated. People should avoid contact with wildlife like jackals and honey badgers; if bitten by these animals please contact the vet services numbers at the end of this document, or contact the nearest clinic.
Free animal vaccinations will be provided to the public at the following dates and locations:
Date: Tuesday, August 10
Time: 14:30–16:30
Vaccination point: Ori Nature Reserve (at the entrance)
Date: Wednesday, August 11
Time: 14:00–16:00
Vaccination points:
1. Hartford Post Office Lanseria
2. Muldersdrift Medical Centre
3. Bidon Bistro
Date: Thursday, August 12
Time: 14:00–16:30
Vaccination points:
1. Kromdraai Cash Store
2. Oaktree Garage
