Vaccinate pets against rabies, says SPCA
According to statistics, rabies claims 70 000 lives annually. The deadly disease is preventable through vaccination.
AMANZIMTOTI SPCA sheds light on World Rabies Day, commemorated on September 28, and urges all pet owners to get their animals vaccinated.
Since 2007, the Global Alliance for Rabies Control has marked this day as the biggest event in rabies awareness. It celebrates this day as an opportunity to raise awareness and advocate for the elimination of the disease worldwide.
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According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, despite being 100% preventable, rabies still claims nearly 70 000 lives annually. There are various reasons for this, including limited awareness, finances and public health resources in some countries or areas.
The SPCA’s Michelle Hannan said that rabies is a disease that affects the brain and leads to the death of the dog or person involved. “The virus occurs in great numbers in the saliva of rabid animals. Symptoms vary widely and may include behavioural changes, aggression, salivation and/or paralysis,” she said.
Hannan added that man’s best friend, the domestic dog, poses the biggest public health threat in terms of rabies in the 21st century.
“Across more than 150 countries that still have rabies, 99% of all human rabies cases are as a result of exposure to a dog with rabies. Therefore, by eliminating rabies in dogs, we can eliminate nearly all human rabies deaths globally,” she said.
Since vaccinating is the only protection against rabies, Hannan urges pet owners to vaccinate their animals, not to allow them to roam the streets and to report all suspected cases to the nearest vet, SPCA or state vet.
“Never touch or caress a strange, injured animal or one that appears to be sick. If you do get bitten, thoroughly disinfect the wound and immediately consult a medical doctor or clinic,” said Hannan.
To report suspected cases, contact the SPCA on 031 904 2424.
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