Travellers warned against picking up homeless animals
THE Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has warned travellers to refrain from picking up stray dogs to avoid being infected with rabies.
The department spokesperson, Reggie Ngcobo explained that stray dogs are dangerous as they are not vaccinated against the disease.
He said, while South Africa is not experiencing a rabies outbreak at present, residents and holidaymakers must guard against picking up strays.
“In most cases, holidaymakers feel sorry for stray dogs and pick them up,” said Ngcobo.
“That is very dangerous as these dogs are not vaccinated. The public is advised not to approach, touch, or pick up stray dogs and cats for whatever purpose.
“People are encouraged to rather report stray animals to local welfare authorities and to support these organisations in caring for such animals.”
Ngcobo explained that rabies is a very serious, mostly fatal zoonotic disease, meaning it can be passed from infected animals to humans.
“Any mammal can become infected with rabies, but the biggest threat to human health is infected dogs and cats. The rabies virus is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal when it bites, scratches or licks a person,” he added.
Rabies is particularly common in KZN, the Eastern Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga, as well as the border between the Free State and Lesotho.
“The coastal areas of KZN and the Eastern Cape are a particularly high risk for rabies. Infected animals may show changes in behaviour which vary widely.
“They may drool a lot, may not be able to swallow, continuously vocalise [barking, whining or howling], show odd behaviour, and sometimes become aggressive. Or, they may just appear weak and unresponsive.
“In animals and humans, the disease affects the brain and, once clinical signs become visible, there is no curative treatment, and it is 100% fatal.”
Anyone who suspects they may have been exposed to a rabid animal must wash the wound well with soap under running water and seek immediate medical attention.