Daff calls for residents to vaccinate pets against rabies

THE Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (Daff) is set to roll out its annual rabies vaccination programme in KwaZuluNatal next month.

Although an exact date is yet to be decided, the department is urging residents to have pets vaccinated.

Daff spokesperson Phathisa Mfuyo said levels of the disease were high and all pets and people were at risk. “Vaccinating 70% of dogs in eThekwini will stop the disease from spreading. With the current situation, further human cases can be expected,” she said.

The department has already attended to seven cases of rabies this year. Mfuyo said this was compared with 77 animal cases last year and three relating to humans.

She said the department has embarked on a number of programmes through various mediums to educate communities.

“Residents should not touch stray animals, especially if these are sick. This is very important if children are exposed to these animals,” she said.

Mfuyo said that, in collaboration with the Department of Health, they had 300 health practitioners from private and government hospitals, with an additional 250 practitioners to assist with their programmes.

The Kloof and Highway SPCA has joined Daff’s call for residents to vaccinate their pets.

“Vaccinating your pet against rabies is not only for the pet’s safety, but also to ensure the safety of your family and community. If you find a stray animal you are not familiar with, only approach it if it is safe and absolutely necessary,” Barbara Patrick said.

She said rabies is fatal and the threat should not be taken lightly.

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

Symptoms

Animal is agitated. Salivation, cannot swallow. Dehydration. Aggressive behaviour.

Wound treatment

Wash wound under running water for more than five minutes. Clean wound with disinfectant. Go to your nearest clinic for an injection and treatment.