With World Rabies Day fast approaching on Saturday, 28th September 2024, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA is urging pet owners to vaccinate their animals, as rabies has become endemic among the Cape Fur Seal population, Cape {town} Etc reports.
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With 24 confirmed cases of rabies in seals since May 2024, rabies has never been a bigger threat to both human and animal health in Cape Town, reports the SPCA.
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‘Rabies is a highly fatal viral disease, and vaccination is the most effective way to prevent it from spreading to humans and animals,’ said Dr. Rivona Ramnanan, SPCA Head Veterinarian.
‘All pet owners have a duty to ensure their pets are vaccinated, as required by the Animal Diseases Act. This is to protect everyone against this deadly virus.’
Pets should receive a rabies vaccination at three months, followed by a booster within a year, and then every three years.
Unvaccinated animals are at high risk of contracting and spreading rabies, primarily transmitted through bites but also saliva contamination of broken skin or mucous membranes.
Symptoms may include sudden behavioural changes, such as aggression in previously calm animals, paralysis or partial paralysis, abnormal vocalization, hydrophobia (fear of water), foaming at the mouth, and attacking inanimate objects.
World Rabies Day is an international day dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of human and animal rabies and the importance of pet vaccination and education
‘We urge the public to do their part by ensuring their pets’ vaccinations are up to date and spreading awareness about rabies prevention,’ Dr Ramnanan says.
In support of World Rabies Day, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA’s mobile clinic will offer free rabies vaccinations for pets at Sunrise Circle, Muizenberg, on Saturday, 28th September 2024, from 10am to 2pm.
These vaccinations are crucial for preventing the spread of rabies in communities. For those unable to attend, vaccinations are available daily at our Grassy Park hospital and mobile clinics throughout Cape Town.
With rabies now endemic in the Cape Fur Seal population, beachgoers should exercise caution and avoid close contact with seals.
It is illegal to approach or harass coastal wildlife, including seals. If you see a seal displaying unusual or aggressive behaviour, report it to the relevant authorities.
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Picture: Cape of Good Hope SPCA
