Pet owners encouraged to boost rabies vaccination

Following the confirmation of a positive rabies case in a dog living in the Saxonwold/Parkview area, pet owners in the area are encouraged to boost their pets’ rabies vaccinations.

Parkview Veterinary Hospital confirmed the case on November 8.

According to the vet hospital, while there is no direct risk to pets in the surrounding area, pet owners are advised to boost the vaccinations of dogs that have not had one in the past year.

Rabies is a fatal infection for both humans and animals but the disease may be effectively controlled through mass vaccination in dogs.

According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, it is the only infectious disease that carries 100% mortality in any species (including humans) once clinical signs appear.

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Clinical signs in animals may include fever, loss of appetite, licking or chewing at the bite site, sudden behavioural changes, inability to swallow, staggering, unusual shyness or aggression, or progressive paralysis.

Clinical signs in humans include tingling, pain or numbing sensation at the site of the wound, fever, hyperactivity or hydrophobia.

“It is clear that the vaccination of dogs [and to some extent domestic cats] is the most important intervention to support rabies prevention and control efforts,” said the institute in a recent report.

If you see your animal exhibiting signs of rabies, pet owners must stay clear of the animal and warn anyone nearby to do the same. Notify your veterinarian or the SPCA. Do not approach, handle or restrain the animal yourself.

Details: Sandton SPCA 011 444 7730.

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