Local newsNews

The sobering facts behind the rabies virus and how to protect your family

Rabid animals can look happy and loving, but while they are wagging their tails and licking everyone, they could be spreading the deadly virus which is transferred via a bite, scratch that breaks the skin and even the saliva.

Rabies is very much alive and a real threat to the community.

The Dolphin Coast Rabies Awareness group reports one rabid dog from Mandeni and eight other cases in KZN last month.

Ballito-based animal rescue organisation Sables Creatures’ Seema Duwarkah said rabies is a much bigger problem than people realise.

“I have found two pups and one cat with rabies over the past two years and had to notify the authorities that they were displaying rabid behaviour.

“I held the pup while they euthanized the little one and the results came back as positive.

“The unvaccinated animals that were attacked by the rabid pup sadly had to be euthanased as well.

“It was a terrible decision to make, but it had to be done,” said Seema.

“You cannot take any chances with rabies.

“Our training with the State Vet taught us that this is a clever disease that draws you in as rabid animals can look happy and loving, but while they are wagging their tails and licking everyone, they could be spreading the deadly virus which is transferred via a bite, scratch that breaks the skin and even the saliva.”

Even if your stray pup is fully vaccinated, it could still be incubating the disease and develop rabies months later.

She said the State Vet had offered rabies courses free of charge for rescue organisations which has accredited Sables Creatures to offer free rabies vaccinations.

“Making sure your dog has an annual rabies vaccination is not a choice – it is your duty.

We urge the public to vaccinate their dogs and cats against rabies to help save animal and human lives.”

While Sables is always ready to help a dog in need, Seema said she has to be very strict about the procedure that has to be followed when rescuing a pup.

“If you see an animal that needs help, please don’t just pick it up.

“I know how difficult it is not to, but for your own safety, your pets and family, rather contact the SPCA.

“All our rescues go into quarantine until our vets say they are healthy before they go to a foster home or their new family.

“All you need is one animal with rabies to cause major heartache.”

People planning to adopt a pet need to ask questions about the history of the animal urged State Vet for the King Cetshwayo district Dr Vanessa Meyer.

“The public need to realize that even if their stray pup is fully vaccinated, it could still be incubating the disease and develop rabies months later.

“We do not want to create unnecessary hysteria, but rabies happens due to lack of education and awareness.

“If in doubt discuss concerns with your vet,” said Dr Meyer.

Rabies prevention checklist

Salt Rock vet Dr Janet Rivett-Carnac said it is crucial that prospective puppy owners ask themselves the following questions with regards to rabies:

1. Where did the puppy come from?

2. Is the puppy’s mother alive and healthy? Did you see her? Are all its siblings still alive and healthy?

3. Did you see proof that the mother’s rabies vaccinations are up to date?

4. Did the puppy come from an environment with higher likelihood of exposure to the rabies virus? This would be an area with a high percentage of unvaccinated animals or a property with potential exposure to other animals.

5. Was the pup being fostered, kenneled with or exposed to other pups that may have come from a high risk situation?

6. Has the pup been exposed to another dog that has died from an unknown cause?

 
Back to top button