In celebration of World Rabies Day on September 28, the Mdzananda Animal Clinic in Khayelitsha aims to vaccinate 1 000 dogs in one day. This decision came about after the recent identification of rabies-infected dogs in the area, the first in the Western Cape since 1994.
According to the Mdzananda Animal Clinic, rabies is a deadly virus that can spread through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite, but it can also transmit through saliva coming into contact with lips, eyes or any exposed cuts on the body.
The virus can be transmitted to other animals and humans. 99% of human cases result from dog bites and are fatal once symptoms occur. Apart from setting humans in danger the virus causes extreme pain, discomfort and leads to the death of the infected animal.
The clinic is set to host a mass vaccination day on Saturday, October 2, where pets of the community can receive free vaccinations. Mobile vaccination stations will be set up in Mfuleni’s Extension 6, Bardale, Burundi and Green Park.
The Clinic is asking members of the public to sponsor a dog for R50. This will cover the costs of the vaccination, needles, syringes and gloves. Each pet will also receive a vaccination against deadly diseases including Parvo Virus, Distemper, Parainfluenza and Adenovirus.
“It is essential to vaccinate your dogs against rabies and now even more so as we’ve had cases presented in Khayelitsha”, says Sr Heidi May, General Manager. “Symptoms include fever, difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling, staggering, seizures and aggression. There is no specific treatment for rabies. Once symptoms appear it’s nearly always fatal. A vaccine can prevent infection.”
To sponsor a dog you can make a donation to Mdzananda Animal Clinic, Standard Bank. Account number: 075595710, Rondebosch, Branch Code: 025009, Reference: Rabies+YourName or contact [email protected].
Picture: Supplied / Facebook / Mdzananda Animal Clinic