SPCA alert: Possible disease outbreak in Toti

AMANZIMTOTI SPCA warns of three possible outbreaks of diseases which could affect pets in the local area. Vaccinations are an important part of your dog’s health.

By vaccinating your pet, you help protect your family friend from various diseases including rabies, distemper, parvovirus and many more.

The SPCA also recommends that you have your pets checked by your vet at least once a year. They will be able to detect any diseases in advance, which will save you heartache and expense in the long term.

Climate change is a contributing factor of disease outbreak, as viruses and bacteria are encouraged by weather conditions.

Three possible outbreaks in the Amanzimtoti area include:

1. Parvovirus: The SPCA is aware of more than five fatalities in one week;
2. Distemper: There have been more than five fatalities in five days;
3. Rabies: Three dogs have tested positive for rabies and a cat was positive for rabies in the last week.

Take note of the clinical signs of the diseases, which are as follows:

• Parvovirus: Diarrhoea, vomiting, dehydration, fever, loss of appetite and depression (diseased intestines).
• Distemper: Eye or nose discharge, coughing, vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures, muscle twitches, skin abnormalities (nasal discharge).
• Rabies: Abnormal behaviour (excessive aggression or calmness), dropped lower jaw, excessive salivation, unco-ordinated movement (in rabid dogs).

There are two forms of the disease:

• Furious – the animal is demented and will attack anything that moves;
• Dumb – the animal is dull and in the case of a wild animal, it appears tame. Partial paralysis is often a feature.

Importantly, be careful of stray animals because if you take them into your home, you put your animals at risk of contracting diseases.