JOHANNESBURG – Rabies is a word that strikes fear into the hearts of people all around the world and is potentially a fatal disease that affects all mammal species.
It can be transmitted between all mammal species, including between animals and humans through a bite of an infected animal or through an open wound such as a deep scratch.
As rabies causes terrible suffering for infected animals and humans alike, and as it is a preventable disease, routine pre-exposure vaccination is essential. That is why the Johannesburg SPCA (JSPCA) has an active and on-going vaccination programme, which it is being highlighted to coincide with World Rabies Day on September 28.
Preventative vaccinations are a simple procedure, and when it comes to vaccinating puppies, pet owners should ideally follow a vaccination schedule.
Puppies should receive their first combination vaccine between six and eight weeks of age. This should be followed by a further combination vaccine a month later, and a third a month after that. The rabies vaccine should be administered simultaneously at any time from three months of age. Thereafter, boosters of all vaccines should be administered annually or in accordance with the advice of your vet.
Of course, vaccinating isn’t just about caring for your pet, it’s about caring for your family, and any other people and animals that your pet may come into contact with. That’s worth a simple injection, isn’t it?
Issued by Jolene Beyleveld – JSPCA Public Relations
