Free rabies clinics
Dogs can receive the rabies vaccination as early as six weeks of age, and cats as early as 8 weeks
ACCORDING to the World Health Organization, 55 000 people die of rabies every year – and it is a painful and unnecessary death caused by a disease that is easily transferred between mammals and humans.
The rabies virus is spread via contact with saliva from of an infected animal.
Though transmission is usually through a bite wound, rabies has been known to spread through a scratch or an existing open wound.
Once infected, victims first develop hypersensitivity to light and sound, as well as paralysis of the nerves that control the head and throat. Eventually respiratory failure leads to a painful death.
Dogs can receive the rabies vaccination as early as six weeks of age, and cats as early as 8 weeks.
Clinic dates to diarise
The uMhlathuze rabies vaccination dates for August:
Monday 15th and Tuesday 16th, Port Durnford.
Wednesday 17th and Thursday 18th, Mpumemi.
Friday 19th, eSikhawini.
Monday 22nd, Mkhobosa.
Tuesday23rd, Gobandlovu and Ndindima.
Wednesday 24th, Madlankandla.
Thursday 25th and Friday 26th, Nseleni
All clinics are open from 8am until 4pm, and further details can be obtained from Animal Health Technician Petros Sokhela on 073 692 1342.
Sympoms of rabies in dogs
Seizures
Paralysis
Hydrophobia (fear of water)
Jaw is dropped
Inability to swallow
Change in tone of bark
Muscular lack of coordination
Unusual shyness or aggression
Paralysis in the mandible and larynx
Excessive salivation or frothy saliva.
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