DEATH is the inevitable course of rabies once clinical signs of the rabies virus are visible, so warns Dr Tammy Talbot of the Seadoone Veterinary Clinic.
Rabies has long been a serious problem and dreaded fear for pet owners and people alike.
This virus has been long battled throughout the country and Dr Talbot explained that KwaZulu-Natal seems to have a higher incidence of positive cases. “We are only reaching the end of the second month of 2018 and we have already had a number of confirmed positive animal cases,” she said.
The areas in which some confirmed cases of rabies have been reported include Amanzimtoti and Craigieburn.
She added that even a human death as a result of rabies has been reported in the Richard’s Bay area.
READ ALSO: FREE annual rabies vaccinations in Umdoni area – dates and times
At the moment, the biggest fear is that there is a lack of knowledge and understanding of how the virus is spread and how it can be prevented.
“Prevention is based around the elimination of the rabies virus in our domestic animals through diligent vaccination programmes, as well as the prevention of dog bites and scratches.
Education and understanding of animal behaviour plays a significant role in the prevention of animal bites, as one of the clinical signs of rabies in an animal is a change in behaviour,” Dr Talbot advises, adding that rabies vaccinations are a legal requirement.
READ ALSO: Take your pets for their FREE annual rabies jabs – where and when
“Transmission of the virus usually occurs following a bite or deep scratch from an animal infected with rabies. This allows for infected material, usually saliva to enter the fresh skin wound. Post-exposure treatment after contact with a suspected rabid animal is of utmost importance as this can save a person’s life. It is essential that the affected area is cleaned thoroughly with soap under running water and that you seek medical care at your local clinic or health care professional immediately. Once clinical signs start, it is too late.
“Rabies is a virus that can be prevent and ultimately eradicated, yet the disease is still responsible for the death of too many people and animals worldwide. Please play your role in preventing this horrible virus by vaccinating your animals,” she said.
More locally, Scottburgh Veterinary Clinic fortunately confirmed that no confirmed cases have as yet been reported.
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