140 dogs and 16 cats get jabbed at eShowe
Pet owners are legally obliged to have their dogs and cats vaccinated against rabies
Residents from eShowe and surrounds last week heeded the call to have their pets vaccinated against rabies, resulting in the vaccination of 140 dogs and 16 cats.
Working with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, volunteers from the eShowe SPCA and the Rabies Awareness Body in eShowe (Rabies) held the vaccination drive at eShowe Bowling Club.
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Vaccinating animals annually against rabies is a legal requirement of pet ownership.
KZN, and South Africa as a whole, is experiencing an unprecedented rabies outbreak, making vaccination compliance all the more vital.
When the law is followed, this disease is 100% preventable.
Last week, the uMhlathuze municipal area recorded a positive dog (in Empangeni).
While no other rabies cases were recorded in the King Cetshwayo District during the last week of March, two cases – both in Empangeni – were recorded earlier last month.
Recent rabies cases:
Year to date:
KZN: 1 human death, 72 positive animals
What to do in the event of a bite or scratch from any suspected rabid animal:
1. Wash any scratches or wounds with soap under running water for 10 minutes
2. Get to a doctor or hospital for a course of four vaccinations. Do not let a clinic turn you away – insist on speaking to someone who can advise you about vaccination.
If the clinic does not have vaccine, ask them to find out for you the nearest one that does.
If you have a bite, you will also need injections of rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) into the wound.
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