The Animal Welfare Society of SA (AWS) has escalated their rabies alert from Amber to Red after a fourth case was confirmed in Cape Town. A stray dog was found on the beach in Strandfontein on October 14 – after tests and behavioural observations, it was discovered that the dog had rabies. He had to be put down, unfortunately.
Rabies is a deadly virus that attacks the central nervous system. It is transmitted from animals to humans, most commonly by animal bites. Even though a small number of people have survived after being bitten by a rabid dog, the disease usually causes death. If you are exposed to it, you must immediately get a series of shots to stop it from worsening.
According to the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Directorate Veterinary Services, “the dog initially presented to a private veterinary clinic with wounds and a normal habitus, and developed ataxia and a sudden change in behaviour with aggression several days later”.
AWS said Rabies is a vaccine-preventable viral disease and they strongly advised all pet owners to get their pets vaccinated as soon as possible.
“Once clinical symptoms appear rabies is virtually 100% fatal.Puppies should receive their first rabies vaccination at 3 months, then a booster within that year and then an annual booster.Pets owned by indigent individuals will be vaccinated for free.A fee of R50 per rabies vaccination will be levied for all other qualifying patients,” the welfare organisation said.
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