State veterinarians from the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will conduct free rabies vaccination in Soshanguve and surrounding areas next week.
Sate veterinarian, Dr Faculty Baloyi, said the vaccination campaign is aimed at addressing the recent rabies diagnosed in two dogs from Soshanguve.
On Monday, 7 May, vaccination will be administered at Sinqobile Primary School Block LKK, Shalom Primary School Block UU, Motlhatwa Street and Matlapeng Primary School Block WW, Phakoe Street.
On Tuesday, the veterinarians will be at Hannelie Berrabge Prestige College Block VV Ext 6, Mofifi Street and at the sports ground open space, next to the taxi rank in Block VV Ext 3 and 4.
The campaign will on Wednesday move to Block VV next to the tower and open ground next to Curro Academic Block VV Extension 5.
On Thursday, vaccinations will be administered at Sigara Sports Grounds Block XX and Lesedi Primary School Block XX, Umphafa Street.
The last day of vaccination will be conducted at Mrs Pele Primary School Block B2, Zola Budd Street, as well as Bafana Bafana Sports Ground Block B1.
The vaccination will start from 12pm to 5pm daily.
Dr Baloyi called on the community to bring their pets for vaccination. He warned that rabies in pets needs to be avoided at all cost as it can easily be passed on to humans.
“All dogs and cats over the age of three months must be vaccinated for rabies. The disease is fatal if not detected and treated on time,” Baloyi said.
Rabies affects the brain and can lead to death in both humans and animals. Symptoms include behavioural change, aggressions and paralysis. Symptoms can occur from seven days to six months after being infected with the virus.
The virus occurs in the saliva of an infected animal.
Rabies protocol
- Avoid touching or caressing strange, injured or sick animals.
- Any person or domestic pet that has been bitten by a strange animal should immediately be put in contact with their local State veterinarian or local health authority.
- It is compulsory for all dogs and cats to be vaccinated against Rabies. Failure to vaccinate domestic pets is illegal and is a public health risk.
- Any animal that has not been vaccinated should immediately be taken to a private veterinarian or the local SPCA for a health check and to be vaccinated. – SAnews.gov.za
