NEWS: RABIES
Rabies: Cases throughout Gauteng
A
number of cases of
rabies have recently
been reported in
Gauteng's plotland, highlighting the need for vaccination
of both dogs and cats.
Since April there have been
22 cases of animal rabies
reported in Gauteng including
two dogs in Randfontein, one
dog in Carltonville, ten
jackals, four cattle and one
dog in the Muldersdrift/Kromdraai/Lanseria area, one
dog in Germiston, one cow in
Heidelberg, one dog in
Boksburg and one honey
badger and three jackals in
northern Pretoria.
Cases have also been
reported in Northwest
Province.
Subsequently, there has been
a vaccination campaign
organised by the Gauteng
Veterinary Services and
Agriculture Research Council
in the affected areas.
A total of 4 292 dogs and
cats, 565 cattle and 161
sheep have been vaccinated
so far in the affected areas,
particularly in and around
Muldersdrift, Kromdraai and
Lanseria. A total of 24 596
dogs and cats have been
vaccinated in Gauteng.
There have been no human
cases of rabies disease to
date. However, a number of
people have been potentially
exposed through bites,
scratches or licks on the
mouth or nose.
So far, a total of 34 people
have received rabies post
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exposure prophylaxis which
includes rabies vaccine and
rabies immunoglobulin
injected directly into the
wound.
Post exposure preventative
treatment is almost 100%
effective when administered
correctly and timeously to
humans following exposure
to suspected rabid animals.
The public is advised not to
approach jackals and other
wild animals and to be aware
that rabid animals may often
appear unusually tame.
It is critical (and required by
law) that all dog and cat
owners ensure that their
animals have been vaccinated against rabies, and
receive annual boosters. The
first animal rabies vaccine is
given at three months of age
followed by a booster within
nine months.