Free rabies vaccinations: What you need to know
Pet owners are urged to take their dogs and cats for rabies vaccinations.
MORE than 20 cases of rabies are confirmed every year in South Africa.
While the ever increasing number of cases is fueled by exposure to wild animal bites, dogs remain the main vectors.
Frequent vaccination will ensure your dogs and cats are kept rabies free.
Although vaccination is important, there are a number of steps pet owners need to follow to ensure their pet has a healthy response:
1. Don’t vaccinate against rabies within three weeks of other vaccinations or medication for parasites: Multiple vaccines given at once greatly increase the chance of reactions. Multiple vaccines are especially risky for small dogs.
2. Vaccinate healthy dogs only: Vaccinating an unhealthy animal can exacerbate illness and do irreparable harm. Also, immunity may not develop after vaccination because of the dog’s compromised immune system.
3. Ask for a rabies vaccination exemption: If your dog has documented health problems, ask your vet to apply for a rabies vaccination extension or exemption. Many localities permit them even if state law doesn’t specifically allow them.
4. Report all vaccine reactions to your vet: Make sure they’re recorded in your pet’s file. Have the vet sign relevant pages, obtain copies and store them in a safe place.
Pet owners are urged to bring their dogs and cats to the following venues for Rabies vaccinations this week:
30 November – Empangeni Fire Station: 8am – 4pm (between 3pm – 6pm dog licences will be available as well)
1 December – Empangeni Fire Station: 8am – 4pm
2 December – Brackenham Community Hall: 8am – 4pm
3 December – Veldenvlei Community Hall: 8am – 4pm
4 December – Veldenvlei Community Hall: 8am – 4pm
For more information regarding the Empangeni vaccination dates, contact Roland Fivas on 083 4823866 and for the Richards Bay dates contact Petros Sokhela on 073 6921342.
