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At least 5 people confirmed to have died from human rabies in SA since Dec

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Rabies is a disease which can be contracted from domestic animals through open wounds on the skin.

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has confirmed that at least five people have died from human rabies in South Africa since December last year.

Rabies is a disease which can be contracted from domestic animals through open wounds on the skin.

NICD says the amount of reported cases is extremely concerning as contraction of the disease is highly preventable.

Five of the reported rabies deaths involved patients from Limpopo, Mpumalanga, the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

The NICD says a sixth person in the Free State is suspected to have died from the disease in the same time period, but this is yet to be confirmed.

The NICD’s Jacqueline Weyer says there has been an increase in the number of rabies cases.

“Rabies is typically very rare and this does present an increase in the number of cases we could expect to find.”

Weyer says the recent rabies cases were linked to domestic cats and dogs through bites and scratches.

The NICD has cautioned all pet owners to ensure their animals receive rabies vaccinations to prevent further human contraction of the fatal disease.

Source: Eye Witness News

NPO needs your help

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The number of neglected, sick and homeless animals that animal welfare organisations who rely on public funding struggle to rescue, treat and rehome every year is increasing.

Spaying and neutering is a relatively quick surgical procedure with a long-lasting impact on animal welfare and overpopulation. It reduces the spread of zoonoses (diseases transmitted from animals to humans) in densely populated and water scarce, poor communities.

Tears Animal Rescue, which has been operating in the Cape Peninsula’s far south for the last 18 years, is a registered Tears Animal Rescue (NPO) whose aim is to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome abandoned, abused and neglected dogs and cats. The organisation operates a veterinary clinic and provides subsidised veterinary care. It provides free sterilisation and subsidised medical assistance to pets in communities such as Masiphumelele, Ocean View, Mountain View, Red Hill and Vrygrond, seven days a week. The organisation also provides care to feral cat colonies across the Western Cape.

Tears Animal Rescue’s chief veterinary surgeon, Dr Patti Foster, says they treat hundreds of animals monthly. Foster advocates sterilisation as the primary means of reducing domestic animal overpopulation. “Sterilising humanely reduces the number of unwanted pets and homeless animals, and indirectly the amount of contagious pathogens for diseases such as rabies, parvovirus and canine distemper virus in dogs, and feline enteritis, feline panleukopenia and feline respiratory disease, or snuffles, in cats.”

In the last financial year, the Tears clinic sterilised 5314 dogs and cats for free. Currently Tears’ two vets are sterilising an average of 400 animals a month, with approximately 300 or more rescued or surrendered animals homed at its shelters.

In addition, its 12-year-old Tears Feral Cat Project, a trap-neuter-return policy that ensures that feral cat colonies all around the Western Cape are humanely trapped, brought to the clinic for a health check, are sterilised and released back to their original home. Populations are supervised, fed and monitored by caregivers. Tears launched their “Pay-for-a-Spay” campaign via the www.tears.org.za website in January, with Hill’s Pet Nutrition donating R50 000 towards the cause, which has since enabled 143 pets to be sterilised.

Tears co-founder and director, Marilyn Hoole says: “Our mission in 2018 is to engage with the corporate sector to create sustainable and impactful programmes that will allow us to extend our service footprint.”

Donations from community member make a big difference, says Hoole.

V To donate to the “Pay-for-a-Spay” campaign and support the work being done by Tears, visit http://tears.org.za/pay-for-a-spay/

Source: News 24

The Shots Your Pets Need

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Image: Pixabay

Making sure that your pet is kept up to date on vaccines is part of being a responsible pet owner. However, recommendations can differ between clinics and even between pets, and vaccine schedules can be confusing. Many owners also have concerns about overvaccination, and no one wants to cause their pet more harm than good. That said, it is important to understand which diseases you need to protect your pet against and why. In all cases, it’s best to work with your veterinarian to weigh the risks and benefits.

What Are Vaccines?
The purpose of a vaccine is to protect your pet against acquiring a specific disease. Vaccines contain antigens, which are essentially small segments of a disease-causing organism that, when given to your pet, stimulate his or her immune system to produce protective antibodies against the disease. Most vaccines generate only a mild response from the immune system. However, it is possible for some pets to have more severe reactions. Your vet can advise you of these reactions and what type of symptoms to watch for.

What types of vaccines are there?
Vaccines are generally broken down into two categories: core vaccines and non-core vaccines. Core vaccines protect against diseases known to cause significant illness in dogs and cats, those that are highly contagious and those that may be transmitted to humans. These vaccines are generally recommended for every healthy pet. Non-core vaccines are usually reserved for pets who are at higher risk for acquiring a specific disease. The vaccines that your pet requires to stay healthy will depend on age, health and lifestyle. Your veterinarian can help you determine which vaccines are appropriate for your pet. (Get details about vaccines for dogs and vaccines for cats.)
 
Why does my puppy or kitten require a series of vaccines?
When puppies and kittens are born, they acquire protective antibodies from their mothers through nursing. Before or around 16 weeks of age, these antibodies fade and no longer offer immunity. Without testing, it is impossible to know the level of antibody protection each pet has at any given time (some stray puppies and kittens, for example, might not have had the opportunity to nurse). The purpose of the vaccine series is to provide immunization during a time when your pet might not be protected. Adhering closely to this schedule is extremely important for proper immunity. If you miss a vaccine appointment during this series, your veterinarian might recommend additional boosters to ensure that your pet is adequately protected.
 
What if I don’t know my pet’s vaccine history?
If your pet is an adult with an unknown vaccination history, such as a newly adopted dog or cat, he or she should essentially be treated as an unvaccinated pet. One rabies vaccination and two sets of each core vaccine generally will be recommended.

Why do vaccine schedules differ among clinics?
Depending on the veterinary clinic, certain vaccines might be recommended annually or every three years. While research exists to show that some core vaccines offer protection past their one-year booster, some veterinary practices still adhere to an annual vaccination schedule. Thus, it is not uncommon to find variation among clinics. It is best to keep your pet on a consistent schedule and defer to your veterinarian’s recommendations.

Regardless of vaccine schedule, every pet should have a yearly wellness exam. Our pets age faster than we do, and regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for keeping optimum health and early detection of disease.

Should I be worried about vaccine reactions?
For commonly recommended vaccines, the risk of disease far outweighs the risk of any vaccine-associated complications. Most pets do not show signs of illness after a vaccine. Mild lethargy or itching in the area where the vaccine was given is common. In some cases, pets might have allergic reactions following vaccination. For this reason, it is best that owners schedule appointments when they are able to monitor their pet for 24 hours after vaccines are given.

Signs of a vaccine reaction can include vomiting, swelling of the face, difficulty breathing, lethargy or collapse. If your pet ever develops any of these signs following vaccination, seek immediate veterinary care. Generally, these types of reactions can be managed easily by your veterinarian. Pets that are known to have reactions can receive treatment before future vaccinations to minimize these responses.

When should my pet not receive vaccines?
There might be certain situations or medical conditions in which it is not safe for your pet to be vaccinated. If your pet is ever very ill, it is probably best to wait until he or she is healthy before receiving vaccines. The goal of any vaccination protocol is always to offer your pet the best protection for his or her health while minimizing the risk. Every case is unique, and vaccine requirements may vary over the course of your pet’s life as travel and other variables change. Always check with your veterinarian and defer to his or her recommendations.

Core Vaccines for Dogs

Canine Distemper and Adenovirus Vaccine
Distemper is an extremely contagious viral illness that can cause symptoms ranging from coughing and sneezing to vomiting and diarrhea, and even seizures. Infection with adenovirus leads to a condition called hepatitis (an inflammatory condition of the liver). Both of these viruses can cause significant illness in dogs, requiring lengthy treatment and supportive care. In many cases, infection can be fatal.

Puppies should be vaccinated for distemper and adenovirus every 3-4 weeks, beginning at 6-8 weeks of age, until they are at least 16 weeks of age. Adults should then be vaccinated at 12 months of age and every 1-3 years thereafter.

Canine Parvovirus Vaccine
Canine parvovirus, commonly known as parvo, is a highly contagious virus that destroys the lining of the small intestine. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy. Parvo is an extremely serious condition. Dogs who become infected can require days of hospitalization receiving fluids and additional supportive care. Complications from parvo can include extreme dehydration and secondary bacterial infections which can be fatal. The virus is spread through the feces of infected dogs. Young, unvaccinated puppies are especially susceptible, although unvaccinated adult dogs can easily acquire the disease, too.

For best protection, puppies should be vaccinated against parvovirus every 3-4 weeks, starting at 6-8 weeks old until they reach at least 16 weeks of age. Dogs are then vaccinated at 12 months of age and every 1-3 years after that.

Canine Rabies Virus Vaccine
Rabies virus is the causative agent of a grave disease affecting the nervous system. Infection with rabies is universally fatal, meaning that animals who become infected will eventually die from the disease. Due to tightly regulated vaccination practices, the occurrence of rabies in domesticated dogs in the United States is rare. However, wild animals can serve as a reservoir for infection, so it is especially important that every pet be protected.

Rabies is most commonly spread by the bite of an infected animal. Rabies can be transmitted to humans; therefore vaccination for dogs is required by law. Every state has its own laws regarding rabies vaccination and licensure, so be sure to check the specific requirements in your area.

Puppies should receive a single rabies vaccine, generally around 12-16 weeks of age, which will be repeated at one year of age and then every 1-3 years after that.

Non-Core Vaccines for Dogs

Bordetella and Parainfluenza Vaccine

Bordetella bronchiceptica and parainfluenza are the bacterial and viral agents respectively involved in causing the upper respiratory disease in dogs commonly known as kennel cough. Although kennel cough is a highly contagious disease among dogs, symptoms are generally mild. Dogs most notably develop a rather dramatic-sounding hacking cough, often accompanied by sneezing and watery eyes. Some dogs might show more severe symptoms such as lethargy or a reluctance to eat or drink, and in some cases, secondary pneumonia is possible.

Like the common cold in people, kennel cough can be spread through the air and by coming into close contact with infected dogs. Dogs who take frequent trips to the dog park, grooming salons or doggy day care are more susceptible to acquiring kennel cough and should be vaccinated.

The recommended schedule for vaccination against kennel cough will depend on the type of product used, so check with your veterinarian. Please note that while the bordetella vaccine is generally considered by most veterinarians to be protective for one year, some kenneling and boarding facilities require it to be updated every six months.

Leptospirosis Vaccine
Leptospirosis is an infection caused by a microscopic organism known as a spirochete (a type of bacteria) that can cause liver and kidney disease in dogs and humans. While once thought to be primarily a rural disease, Leptospirosis is being diagnosed increasingly in dogs in urban and suburban areas.

Dogs generally acquire the disease by drinking or wading through contaminated water or by being exposed to infected wildlife (such as rodents, skunks and raccoons). Because the infection can be transmitted to humans, extreme care should be taken around any dog thought to have Leptospirosis. Several strains of Leptospirosis exist, so vaccination is not considered to be completely protective.

Talk to your veterinarian to see if your pet should be vaccinated for Leptospirosis.

Lyme Disease Vaccine
Lyme disease (also commonly known as tick fever) is an infectious disease of the blood that is transmitted by ticks. Lyme disease can affect both dogs and humans, although infected dogs cannot directly transmit the disease to people. Symptoms in dogs can include lameness, fever, depression and anorexia. Dogs who live near heavily wooded areas are more susceptible, however, any dog who comes into contact with an infected tick can acquire the disease.

Routine tick control is an important aspect of prevention against Lyme disease. Talk to your veterinarian to see if your pet should have additional vaccine protection.

Miscellaneous Vaccines for Dogs
Other, less common vaccines such as Giardia, canine influenza and the rattlesnake vaccine may be beneficial to some dogs in specific situations. As always, defer to your veterinarian for the best recommendations for vaccines for your pet.

Core Vaccines for Cats

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia Vaccine

Feline viral rhinotracheitis and calicivirus cause upper respiratory disease symptoms in cats such as fever, runny eyes and sneezing. Symptoms are generally mild, although kittens can develop corneal or oral ulcers and pneumonia. These viruses are spread through close contact with infected cats. Transmission can also be airborne, and spread, for example, through the droplets of a sneeze.

Feline panleukopenia is a highly contagious virus that causes a severe infection of the bone marrow and intestinal tract of cats, leading to fever, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and a dangerously low white blood cell count. The virus is spread through the feces as well as oral and nasal secretions of infected cats. Young kittens, especially strays who haven’t had an opportunity to be vaccinated, are particularly susceptible.

Kittens will generally receive a combination rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia vaccine beginning at 6 weeks old and then every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. After that, boosters are given every 1-3 years.

Feline Rabies Virus Vaccine
Rabies can affect cats just as it does dogs. Because wildlife can serve as a reservoir for infection, outdoor cats are particularly susceptible. Although indoor cats are at considerably lower risk for acquiring rabies, some states regulate feline rabies vaccine administration, so check with your veterinarian for recommendations.

A single dose of the rabies vaccine should be given to kittens at 12-16 weeks of age, at 12 months and then every 1-3 years thereafter.

Non-Core Vaccines for Cats

Feline Leukemia Virus Vaccine

Leukemia is a contagious viral disease of cats that can result in immune system suppression, blood abnormalities, and even cancer in some cases. Infected kittens will show signs of fever, lethargy and loss of appetite. Adult cats can carry the virus in their system for years and can be prone to chronic infections and illness resulting from a suppressed immune system.

Feline leukemia virus is highly contagious and can be spread by infected to non-infected cats through grooming, sharing food and water dishes or simply being in close contact. Every cat should be tested for feline leukemia virus before introducing new cats into a multiple-cat household. Outdoor cats are considered at high risk for infection and should be protected.

All kittens receive two sets of leukemia vaccine 2-3 weeks apart. After the kitten series, if a cat is to remain indoors and not exposed to other cats of an unknown health status, further leukemia vaccination is not necessary or recommended. Outdoor cats should be vaccinated annually.

Miscellaneous Vaccines for Cats
In special circumstances, vaccination against diseases such as FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) or other conditions may be beneficial. Check with your veterinarian for his or her recommendations.
 
Source: Spark People

Doing a little bit to save a life before a bite

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On Sunday, 27 May 2018, a dedicated team of Unisans from the Department of Agriculture and Animal Health in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES) and staff members from the Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL) spent time with the community in Jackson’s Drift. The AACL is a non-governmental organisation that provides a veterinary welfare service in South Africa through donations, and supports communities.

The aim of the visit (and similar visits planned for the future) was to make the community aware of Rabies and the importance of vaccinating and taking care of pets. The AACL has established a wonderful network with children aged 8 to 15 years called “Paw rangers”. This network of young animal lovers invited members of their community to bring their pets to be vaccinated and treated by the team from Unisa and the AACL on the day.

According to the World Health Organization, an average of 60 000 people die from Rabies annually. In South Africa, there has been recent cases of human Rabies in the Eastern Cape, Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal. All these cases were the result of exposure to rabid dog or cat bites.  Rabies is a viral, lethal disease that is transmitted to both humans and other mammals via bites and scratches from an infected animal. It mainly causes inflammation of the brain. Once the symptoms of Rabies appear, the infected person or animal rarely survives the disease, even if they are treated. The prevention of Rabies in humans depends on decreasing the disease in the animal kingdom, and the compulsory vaccination of susceptible animals is the best way to prevent the disease from spreading.

In Jackson’s Drift, the team administered different treatments to dogs and cats, including deworming, and vaccinations against Rabies and other viral diseases such as Canine Distemper, Infectious Canine Hepatitis, Respiratory Canine Adenovirus, Canine Parainfluenza and Canine Parvovirus.  Cats were vaccinated against Rabies, Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia.

On the day, more than 150 dogs and cats were vaccinated and treated for conditions that included abscesses, ectoparasites (fleas, ticks) and worms. Serious cases were referred to the Veterinary hospital for further treatment.

This partnership between CAES and the AACL is mutually beneficial as it provides an opportunity for staff members to share knowledge and identify research needs, and for students in animal health to gain practical experience while interacting with and tackling the needs of communities. The Department of Agriculture and Animal Health will continue with the project to do its little bit for our communities.

Ms Cindy Price, Dr Faizel Suleyman and their team, represented the AACL while the Unisa team included students and Dr Keleabetswe Malepe, Ms Boitumelo Ditle, Ms Bertha Nchabeleng and Dr Prudence Kayoka (Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, CAES).

By Prudence Kayoka

Source: www.yiba.co.za

Revolting against Rabies

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Rabies

Just the mere mention of the word “rabies” is enough to trigger alarm and panic amongst pet lovers, given the fatality rate associated with this horrific virus. However, it is important for all responsible pet owners to recognise that rabies is preventable and with a deeper understanding, you will be empowered to protect your furry friend from the merciless hands of this viral disease.

Causes of Rabies in Cats and Dogs

Rabies can be transmitted to felines and canines when they are exposed to the saliva of an infected animal through a bite. Even though it is less likely, transmission is also possible through a scratch or if your pet’s mucous membranes or open wounds become exposed to the saliva of an animal with rabies. Wild animals in South Africa, such as bats, black-backed jackals, bat-eared foxes and mongooses are common carriers of this unrelenting virus.

Symptoms

Initially, the infected pet may portray extreme behavioural modifications that are contrary to their normal character such as anxiety, agitation and aggression. Energetic and enthusiastic pets may become meek and depressed, whilst jovial and peaceful pets may become cantankerous.

The infected pet may lash out at or attack anything alive or inanimate. They may also be inclined to incessantly lick, chew or bite the area of their body that was bitten. Oversensitivity to sound, light and touch can also be experienced as the virus advances.

Other symptoms of rabies in cats and dogs are:

  • Fever
  • Paralysis – especially that of the tongue, throat, jaw and legs causing the notorious symptom of foaming from the mouth.
  • Pica – consumption of non-food substances such as dirt or rocks
  • Seizures
  • Drooling
  • Chewing stones
  • Wandering around aimlessly
  • Disorientation
  • Incoordination
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Hypersensitivity
  • Hypersalivation

Diagnosis

If your pet is projecting these associated symptoms after a vicious attack by or contact with a rabid or wild animal, contact your veterinarian immediately. As the virus has an incubation period of as short as ten days, the vet may quarantine your pet to confirm the case of rabies. Fluid testing of saliva, skin and urine are some of the preferred diagnostic methods. However, the most accurate diagnosis is received through the “direct fluorescent antibody test” which unfortunately, can only be performed after an animal passes away because this diagnostic procedure requires tissue from the brain.

Treatment

Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment for rabies in cats and dogs. Confirmed cases of rabies in unvaccinated animals must be reported to the local public health authorities who may quarantine the animal or devastatingly, euthanise it based on the regulations in the relevant region.

Prevention

Ensuring that your pets are properly vaccinated is not only important for them, it is also important for your safety as a pet owner and those around you. Indoor animals have a lower chance of being subjected to vicious attacks or being exposed to rabid animals. Humans must exercise caution when encountering a pet potentially carrying the virus and any places which may have been infected, should be thoroughly sterilised by using an appropriate bleaching solution.

Plan of Action if your Pet’s been in Contact with a Rabid Animal

  1. Consult your veterinarian immediately!
  2. Alert your local health department of the incident and carefully follow their instructions.
  3. Alert your local animal control officer if the rabid animal is still roaming free so they can professionally and safely catch the animal.
  4. The rabies virus may remain active on your pet’s skin for two hours after the incident, so wear gloves and protective clothing when handling them within this time frame.
  5. If your pet has been bitten by a rabid animal and was luckily vaccinated beforehand, a rabies booster should be administered as soon as possible, and they should be closely monitored for 45 days thereafter.

 

Written for inFURmation
by Taliah Williamson

 

Drop in rabies jabs in KZN a cause for alarm

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Drop rabies

Dr Vanessa Meyer says it is every pet owner’s duty to make sure their pet is vaccinated against rabies, whether the owner thinks it is safe or not.

Nearly 50 positive rabies cases in dogs have already been recorded in KZN this year, and it is only June.

State Vet for the King Cetshwayo District, Dr Vanessa Meyer, said this year’s stats did not paint a good picture to the trained eye.

“Looking back at the figures of previous years, by May 2017 we had 25 positive dogs in KZN, and by May 2018 we had already had 111. We are currently on 47 positive dogs for this year so far,” said Dr Meyer.

While it might look like there is a decline in rabies cases this year, she said a serious threat persists as they have seen a decline in rabies vaccinations along the coastline.

“This is due to the very real persistent threat of vehicle hijackings while conducting mass vaccination campaigns. The public needs to be more pro-active in getting their animals vaccinated, and not expect the vaccine to come to them.”

She said the vaccination of dogs in South Africa was a legal requirement and was the responsibility of the pet owner.

“No single person is excused from having their dogs vaccinated against rabies.”

She warned people living in estates on the Dolphin Coast not to get complacent thinking their pets were safe and therefore did not need to be vaccinated.

“It is not uncommon for dogs to get bitten on the nose through a fence or a gate and many a beloved pet confined to a garden has developed rabies this way. The owner has a false sense of security and believes they are above the law. The risk in Ballito is very real and a rabid dog will cover a great many kilometres.”

The rules are clear when it comes to a pet being bitten by a rabid animal and the consequences can be heartbreaking.

“Should any pet be bitten by a rabid animal and a valid rabies vaccination certificate cannot be produced, that pet must be euthanased as the risk of it contracting rabies is too great. There are no exceptions, no matter how loved that pet may be.”

It is important to remember that while dog rabies is the biggest threat, according to Dr Meyer other animals can also be the carrier of the deadly virus.

“A rabid cat or mongoose will enter any property with ease, and a number of human deaths can be attributed to cat bites.”

Do not be fooled by the wagging tail

Rabid animals are not always the aggressive, snarling, salivating beasts they are made out to be – they might be calm and relaxed.

“There is a change in behaviour so a wild or aggressive animal may become tame. There is also a dumb form of rabies where the animal will be subdued. Rabid dogs and puppies often wag their tails due to stimulation of the nervous system, and so can frequently appear friendly.

“Even the experts get tricked by the vast plethora of rabies symptoms. The best advice is to never approach or touch a strange animal.”

Dr Meyer said the incubation period of rabies varies from a week to many years, but typically it is less than six months.

“Rabies can only be transmitted by an animal when it is sick with rabies, and also during the time immediately preceding symptoms. Rabies is 100 percent fatal. If an animal is still alive ten days after the onset of symptoms, then it does not have rabies.”

The disease can only reliably be confirmed by the examination of brain tissue said Dr Meyer.

“There is no accurate test in the living animal.”

Source: The North Coast Courier

Two children have died in SA this year from rabies – NICD

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Two children

There have been five confirmed cases of rabies in humans in SA to date in 2019; three from the Eastern Cape and two from Limpopo. File Picture: Bongani Mbatha/African News Agency(ANA)

Cape Town – The National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) has reported that there have been five confirmed cases of rabies in humans in South Africa to date in 2019; three from the Eastern Cape Province and two from Limpopo Province. These have resulted in the deaths of two children.

Commenting on these rabies fatalities and cases, which were reported in the NICD’s latest Communicable Diseases Communiqué, Dr Pete Vincent of Netcare Travel Clinics and Medicross Tokai, said that they reiterate the importance of educating South Africans about this vaccine-preventable infectious disease, which is invariably fatal if it not managed and treated timeously and appropriately. 

“If you consider that, according to the World Health Organization [WHO], rabies is still responsible for close on 60 000 deaths globally every year, most of them occurring in Africa and Asia, then our track record of rabies prevention here in South Africa looks relatively impressive,” adds Dr Vincent.

“Nevertheless, the threat of rabies, which is contracted from infected animals, is ever present, particularly in our rural areas where many pet dogs are not vaccinated against the virus. In addition, rabies is quite commonly reported among both wild and domestic animals in South Africa.” 

The importance of awareness

“Improved awareness of rabies — including knowledge of what to do in the case of a bite from, or contact with, a rabid animal such as a dog — will go a long way towards assisting in protecting South Africans and our children from rabies. It is important to be aware that a post-exposure prophylaxis vaccine and treatment is available to prevent the disease, but it must be administered appropriately and as soon as possible after exposure to rabies to be effective,” he adds.

“WHO reports that more than 15 million people worldwide receive this life-saving post-exposure vaccination every year. This is an astonishing number and provides an indication of just how widespread the occurrence of rabies infection in humans is and how important this prophylaxis vaccine has become in preventing this infectious disease. A further important measure in controlling rabies, which attacks the nervous system, is the on-going mass vaccination of dogs, which are responsible for the great majority of infections in humans.” 

Dr Vincent recommends that families adopt a three pronged approach to avoiding infection: as far as possible avoid getting bitten by animals or coming into contact with animals that may be infected; know what to do in order to prevent rabies after a bite; and make sure that that you are able to access a medical centre where post exposure prophylaxis is available.  

Source: IOL

Khayelitsha animal clinic offers free vaccinations for World Rabies Day

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World Rabies Day

A local animal clinic in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, has offered free vaccinations to community members in a bid to prevent the spread of rabies.

The offer comes ahead of World Rabies Day on Saturday.

The Mdzananda Animal Clinic said it aimed to vaccinate 200 dogs on the day. The clinic said it was important to offer the vaccination because rabies was a deadly virus that could easily spread to people from the saliva of infected animals.

“99% of human cases result from dog bites and are fatal once symptoms occur,” the clinic said in a statement.

The virus causes extreme pain and discomfort in humans, and also leads to the death of the infected dog.

According to the clinic’s fundraising and communications manager, Marcelle du Plessis, the clinic will offer the vaccination despite the Western Cape not being a rabies hot spot.

“This does however not mean that we shouldn’t prepare against it. All it takes is for one infected dog to come into our community for the virus to spread rapidly,” said Du Plessis.

She said neighbouring provinces had previously reported cases of rabies which had forced them to be vigilant and strive to make Khayelitsha an immune community in the event of the area being affected by the virus.

“Dogs and cats should first be vaccinated for rabies between four and six months of age. They need a booster one year from that date. Thereafter they need to be vaccinated once every three years,” said Du Plessis.

Du Plessis said the majority of the pets that would be vaccinated would be first-timers, and their owners would receive vaccination cards indicating when to bring their pets for their booster shots.

Despite providing free vaccinations, the clinic has asked for donations to cover the costs of administering the vaccinations, including needles, syringes, gloves and veterinarian time.

The Mdzananda Clinic has received the vaccines free from the state vet.

Apart from just administering rabies shots, each pet will receive a vaccination against deadly diseases including the Parvo virus, distemper, parainfluenza and adenovirus.

Source: Times Live

Pet welfare during Covid-19

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JOBURG – The South African Veterinary Association shares tips on on pet health during the lockdown.

Pet welfare during Covid-19

Here are some guidelines to follow when thinking of taking your pets to the vet l Photo: Pixabay

Veterinarians, being the custodians of animal health and welfare in South Africa, have been designated as essential service providers.

The South African Veterinary Association has provided guidelines for veterinarians, assisting them in determining which services have been deemed necessary.

If animal owners are concerned about the health of their animals, it is important to first call the veterinary clinic to discuss the concern and if deemed necessary by the consulting veterinarian to take the animal to the clinic, maintaining social distancing at all times. Both animal and owner welfare (i.e. human-animal bond) play an important part in these uncertain times, particularly as companion animals may be a critical support mechanism to many people.

Using the guidelines below, veterinarians will guide their clients on when and how they will consult.

Wellness visits

Postpone

Food sales

Continue but maintain social distancing if purchasing directly from your preferred veterinary clinic or make use of online delivery service. Should you need to visit your veterinary clinic, disinfect packaging with a sanitiser when you have arrived back at home, and wash your hands for 20 seconds thereafter.

Medication refills

Continue but maintain social distancing if purchasing directly from your preferred veterinary clinic or make use of online delivery service. Should you need to visit your veterinary clinic, disinfect packaging with a sanitiser when you have arrived back at home, and wash your hands for 20 seconds thereafter.

Rabies vaccination

Routine vaccinations (including previously unvaccinated animals) can be reasonably postponed if the owner can manage the animal in such a way to minimise the risk of exposure until your animal can be vaccinated.

Other vaccinations

If deemed necessary, have your veterinary clinic administer boosters of vaccine series based on your animal’s condition and circumstances (e.g. risk of exposure), alternatively postpone other vaccinations if the risk of exposure can be managed in the interim.

Flea/tick preventives

Maintain social distancing if collecting from your veterinary clinic or arrange with your clinic if they offer the option for drop-off or delivery. If you are a new client/patient at your veterinary clinic, establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship via telehealth (distribution of health-related services and information via electronic information and telecommunication technologies).

Life-threatening conditions

If your animal suffers from a life-threatening condition and you are both from a low-risk household, manage using social distancing when visiting your veterinary clinic. With cases from high-risk households, consult your veterinary clinic to discuss alternative options.

Management of painful conditions

Could be managed by telemedicine (this allows health care professionals to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients in remote locations using telecommunications technology, it also allows patients in remote locations to access medical expertise quickly, and without travel) when possible. If an examination is required and your animal is from a low-risk household, your veterinary clinic should admit your animal for examination, but always maintain social distancing.

Management of chronic conditions

Could be managed by telemedicine when possible. Schedule an appointment if an urgent examination is needed but always maintain social distancing.

Surgical procedures for painful disorders

If your animal can be temporarily maintained on analgesics (medicines that are used to relieve pain) with a low risk of negative consequences, delay the surgery. If the surgery cannot be delayed, do proceed if the household is low-risk. If the household is high-risk, consult your veterinary clinic to discuss alternative options. If possible, isolate your animal from any high-risk individuals for two to three days to minimise the risk of possible contamination.

Sterilisations

Elective sterilisation for animals from a high-risk household should be discontinued until further notice. Animals from low-risk households could be sterilised, but always maintain social distancing.

 

Cape Town pet owners warned to be on extra alert for rabies ‘outbreak’

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Cape Town pet owners warned to be on extra alert for rabies 'outbreak'

Agriculture MEC Dr Ivan Meyer confirms that officials are vaccinating pets in Khayelitsha and affected areas this week in response to the cases. Picture Tracey Adams/African News Agency(ANA)

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture Veterinary Services confirmed that they had received laboratory results on Monday confirming rabies in two dogs in Khayelitsha.

Investigations are currently under way to determine the source of the outbreak. According to the Western Cape Veterinary Service head, Dr Gininda Msiza, rabies is a viral disease affecting animals and people.

“It is transmitted by saliva or other body fluids, and a dog or person can be infected by being bitten, scratched or licked by a rabid animal,” Msiza said.

“However, rabies is very easy to prevent by vaccinating dogs and cats.”

Agriculture MEC Dr Ivan Meyer confirms that officials are vaccinating pets in Khayelitsha and affected areas this week in response to the cases.

“Our Animal Health technicians began vaccinating dogs and cats in the area yesterday. We are working closely with the welfare organisations and medical doctors to check on contacts and any people who may have been bitten and need treatment,” Meyer said.

“If you suspect that you have had contact with a rabid animal, getting preventative treatment as soon as possible saves your life. Wash any bite or scratch wound thoroughly with soap and water, and then go immediately to your doctor or clinic to get rabies vaccinations.

“The sooner you receive treatment, the better you will be protected against rabies.”

According to Msiza, dogs with rabies often show a behaviour change and become suddenly aggressive or unusually tame for no reason.

“Dogs with rabies struggle to swallow and often walk around with their mouths open, drooling or making choking sounds as if they have something stuck in their throat.

“If you suspect a dog has rabies, do not touch it and contact your nearest private or state veterinarian immediately.

“Pet owners are encouraged to be vigilant and to take their pets to their private veterinarian or animal welfare organisation to make sure their rabies vaccinations are up to date,” concludes Meyer.

For more information, contact the chief state veterinarian Dr Gary Buhrmann via email: garyb@elsenburg.com, telephone 021 808 5026 or visit the website www.elsenburg.com/services-and-programmes/veterinary-services

Source: IOL