Vaccinate, don’t procrastinate

Residents will soon have an opportunity to protect their pets against the new wave of rabies. As part of the campaign, owners can take their pets to the Carletonville SPCA for free rabies inoculations from 09:00 to 15:00 on 5 and 6 July. Officials from the state veterinarian’s office in Randfontein will do the inoculations at the Carletonville SPCA in Beerster Street in Carletonville. Although rabies has hit national headlines recently because of an out- break in areas like Muldersdrift, Ms Keabetwe Ngoetjana from the state veterinarian’s office in Randfontein has confirmed that no recent cases of rabies have been reported in the Merafong City Municipality area. The deadly disease is not unknown in the area, however, as infected animals have been found in Driefontein, Fochville and Westonaria in recent years. Rabies is a disease of mammals that affects the brain and leads to the death of the person or animal involved if not treated early. Animals found to have contracted the disease are put to sleep. Symptoms vary widely and include behavioural changes – like a fierce animal that suddenly becomes friendly – or a friendly pet that is suddenly irritable and could even bite its owner, aggressiveness and paralysis. It can occur from as early as seven days or as late as six months after being bitten by an infected animal. The virus occurs in great numbers in the saliva of an infected animal showing symptoms of rabies. It is compulsory, by law, for all dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies. Failure to do so is illegal and a public health risk. Members of the public should avoid touching or cares- sing strange, injured or sick animals. If bitten by a strange, sick or stray animal, wash the wound thoroughly with soap preferably under running water, disinfect it and seek immediate medical assistance, informing the nurse or doctor that you have had contact with an animal suspected to have rabies. The local veterinarian or local health authority must also be contacted. In the meantime, the Carletonville SPCA calls on residents with a soft spot for animals to please assist them with their initiative to rebuild the dilapidated kennels. Although the work is to start soon, all help is appreciated. Donations of other goods like blankets for the winter chill and pet food are always welcome. The Carletonville SPCA will also be holding its AGM at the SPCA kennels at 18:00 on 4 July. Contact Mary-Ann van den Berg at 018 788 4813 for more information.