MEC leads rabies vaccination drive
THE MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Themba Mthembu, says his department is taking the rabies outbreak seriously and encouraged community members to vaccinate their domestic animals.
Mthembu was speaking at eSikhaleni H2 Community Hall on Thursday during the launch of a vaccination programme.
Scores of community members, young and old, from all corners of eSikhaleni brought their animals for vaccination.
One dog owner, Nkanyiso Makhanya (23) of Mzingwenya Reserve told the ZO he decided to take his three dogs for vaccinations to remain on the safe side.
‘I am doing this for the safety of my community and for my family members, and to ensure that my dogs are protected.’
Mthembu said she was encouraged by the community’s positive response.
‘Rabies is a deadly disease. If a person is bitten by a rabid dog, people should remember that the victim must receive treatment at a clinic or hospital within 14 hours to prevent death.
‘We have lost three people to rabies in recent times, and the most affected areas currently are Durban, Ilembe and the King Cetshwayo District.’
Mthembu emphasised that 22 mobile clinics are deployed in various affected areas to ensure that rabies is prevented.
‘We have set aside about R33-million for vaccination initiatives.’