Rabies kills virtually 100% of all who contract this viral disease, which is spread by wild animals such as bats, bat-eared foxes, mongoose, wild mammals and contracted by our pets, if bitten by a rabid animal.
In up to 99% of cases studied, dogs are responsible for rabies virus transmission to humans.
Even more alarming is that once clinical signs appear, rabies is virtually 100% fatal and this is found predominantly in children under 15 years. Rabies is an acute and progressive viral disease that attacks the central nervous system.
Signs of rabies in pets are sudden major behavioural changes and unexplained progressive paralysis. Other signs can include sudden anorexia, signs of severe nervousness/shyness, irritability and severe aggression – also referred to as Mad Dog Syndrome.
Prevention is as simple as a yearly vaccination and hence vaccinating your cats & dogs should be done in order to prevent transmission at its source.
Therefore, for the 5th year running the State Veterinary Office in partnership with Animal Care Team are hosting Oudtshoorn Animal Day – 16 September 2023 from 09:00 till 15:00 and for this special day we are doing free rabies vacinations!
Bring your dogs and cats – all secured safely to be vaccinated and if you have a difficult pet keep them in the car and our staff will assist at your vehicle as you Drive Through. (By Vanessa Engelbrecht)
