cape town Rabies Western Cape

South Africa has recorded a spike in rabies cases in recent months. Image via: Adobe Stock

Cape Town rabies: Strand pet owners urged to have animals vaccinated

The Western Cape government said a case of rabies has been confirmed in a Strand dog. Pet owners are encouraged to vaccinate their animals at a series of pop ups in the area this coming week.

cape town Rabies Western Cape

South Africa has recorded a spike in rabies cases in recent months. Image via: Adobe Stock

The Western Cape Veterinary Services said it received laboratory results confirming a case of rabies in a dog in Strand, Cape Town, on 7 March. Pet owners in the area are encouraged to vaccinate their animals and prevent further infection.

RABIES INFECTION DETECTED IN STRAND

Rabies, a viral disease, affects animals and people. It is transmitted by saliva – or other body fluids. A dog or person can be infected after being bitten, scratched or licked by a rabid animal.

“Once rabies has been established there’s no effective treatment. However, rabies is very easy to prevent by vaccinating dogs and cats,” said the vet service.

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s Vet officials will offer free rabies jabs for cats and dogs in the Strand area from 11:00 to 16:00 on the following days:

  • Tuesday, 15 March – Victoria Park
  • Wednesday, 16 March – Behind the Kwik Spar in Strand
  • Thursday, 17 March – The open space at the corner of Lichtenstein and De Vos Streets

The pet owners in the area and other parts of Cape Town are also encouraged to take their animals to private vets or animal welfare organisations to ensure their rabies vaccinations are up to date.

“Ensuring vaccination of pets will prevent a large-scale outbreak of rabies and save human lives.”

The vet service said if you suspect you’ve been in contact with a rabid animal it is best to get treatment as soon as possible.

Visit a doctor or clinic immediately after washing a bite or scratch wound thoroughly with soap and water for a rabies vaccination or immunoglobulin.

“The sooner you receive treatment, the better you will be protected against rabies.”

For more information contact the Boland State Vet office at 021-808-5253 or email svboland@elsenburg.com

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