Amanzimtoti is in the midst of a rabies outbreak therefore it is mandatory to have all pets vaccinated. Rabies is a virus that affects the nervous system of both dogs, humans and other mammals. It is transmitted through saliva from the bite or contact with broken skin by the affected animal.
“Rabies does not discriminate and we recently euthanised a much-loved family pet, who slept on the bed and never left the property, this case was sent to the State Vet and tested positive for Rabies. We unfortunately had to euthanise the other family pets as well as one was already showing symptoms and neither were up to date with their vaccinations,” said Sr Evashnee Govender of the Doonside Veterinary Hospital. “These pets came from a normal middle-class family living in a well to do suburb where we would like to think rabies does not exist.”
According to Govender, Amanzimtoti SPCA has recorded the highest number of positive cases during the last year with 74 cases from 1 January 2020. Doonside Veterinary Hospital and Seadoone Veterinary Clinic have undertaken with the help of the state vet to provide a free rabies vaccination clinic for the month of June, with the possibility of extension, to help to try and curb the spread of this deadly virus. Theses are the available dates, times and sites where this free service will be offered:
- At Doonside Veterinary Hospital situated at 1 Leslie Way, Doonside on Wednesday, 2, 9, 23 and 30 June from 12pm to 3pm and on Saturday, 19 June from 9am to 12pm.
- At Seadoone Veterinary Clinic situated at 76 School Road, Amanzimtoti on Monday, 7, 14, 21 and 28 June from 12pm to 3pm and on Saturday, 12 June from 9am to 12pm.
Residents are asked to ensure dogs are on leashes and cats are in baskets. The wearing of masks and social distancing will apply. If you have a record or vaccination book, bring it along.
ALSO READ: SPCA creates awareness of deadly rabies virus
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