Local newsNews

Four rabies cases confirmed in Amanzimtoti

Professional help must be sought, from either the local provincial agriculture department office, the SPCA or a vet, if residents suspect an animal has rabies.

RABIES cases have been confirmed in Durban this year and residents are warned to treat stray or pet dogs which behave strangely with extreme caution.

Amanzimtoti SPCA has had four positive rabies cases already this year.

Professional help must be sought, from either the local provincial agriculture department office, the SPCA or a vet, if residents suspect an animal has rabies.

If you notice an animal is behaving abnormally or acting ill, refrain from touching it. Experts suggest confining the animal in a property until help arrives, and that one should refrain from touching the possibly-rabid animal. Some rabid dogs might not even appear aggressive.

Read also: Expand your knowledge on rabies 

The provincial department has already dealt with seven animal cases of rabies this year. One of the cases was brought to Kloof SPCA and another to the Durban and Coast SPCA.

“We’ve had four positive cases locally this year,” explained Amanzimtoti SPCA manager Tracey Girling. “Vasco Da Gama Drive, Illovo Township, Adams Mission and Folweni township all had a rabies case.”

Dogs must be vaccinated at three months old and receive their second vaccination when they are one. Then, they must be vaccinated annually.

Symptoms of rabies include the animal becoming agitated, salivating in the case that it cannot swallow, it may be dehydrated and display aggressive behaviour.

Incase you missed this: Umbumbulu child’s (4) rabies death caused by scratch

If bitten by an animal, wash the wound thoroughly under running water for a few minutes before disinfecting it, then seek immediate medical attention as rabies is fatal to humans if untreated immediately. Attempt to obtain paperwork from the owner, to verify whether the animal has been vaccinated against rabies within the last year.

Contact Amanzimtoti SPCA on 031-904-2424/5.

 

DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics. 
To receive news links via WhatsApp, send an invite to 061 694 6047
The South Coast Sun is also on FacebookTwitterInstagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?

Do you have more information pertaining to this story?
Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.

(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)

Related Articles

 
Back to top button