Africa-Press – South-Africa. A confirmed case of rabies was found in a dog in Strand, Cape Town, earlier this week.
The Western Cape Veterinary Services said it received laboratory results confirming the dog was rabid.
“Rabies is a viral disease that can affect animals and people. It is transmitted by saliva or other body fluids,” said its spokesperson Daniel Johnson.
According to Johnson, the dog had since been euthanised.
“Any dog or person can be infected if they have been bitten, scratched, or licked by a rabid animal,” said the Western Cape Department of Agriculture.
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It added there was no effective treatment once rabies had been detected.
“Rabies is easy to prevent by vaccinating dogs and cats,” Johnson added.
Department veterinary officials will be offering free rabies vaccinations for cats and dogs in Strand from 11:00 to 16:30 at:
Pet owners in Strand and other areas of Cape Town are also encouraged to take their pets to private veterinarians or animal welfare organisations to make sure their rabies vaccinations are up to date.
“Ensuring the vaccination of pets will prevent a large-scale outbreak of rabies and save human lives,” added the department.
If you suspect you have had contact with a rabid animal, get preventative treatment as soon as possible.
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“Wash any bite or scratch thoroughly with soap and water, and then go immediately to your doctor or clinic to get rabies vaccinations and immunoglobulin,” said Johnson.
Animal Welfare of Society of SA spokesperson Allan Perrins said vaccinating pets against rabies was a lifesaver.
“The Cape has been rabies free for about 27 years. We are urging pet owners to take up the opportunity to get their pets vaccinated. Our frontline staff members have already been vaccinated against the virus,” he added.
Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse told News24 all rabies vaccinations were free at the Cape of Good Hope SPCA.
“We will continue to assist the public at our mobile clinic in the various areas, or people can bring their pets to our hospital clinic,” he said.
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