Over 900 pets vaccinated against rabies in Cape Town amid outbreak

By Bisola Adeyemo

Following the outbreak of rabies virus in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa, more than 900 dogs and 10 cats have been vaccinated.

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s Veterinary Services who disclosed this on Tuesday said Veterinary Services officials and animal welfare organisations have been going door to door to vaccinate all dogs and cats within a 1km radius of the confirmed cases.

The veterinary authority reported two confirmed cases of rabies in two dogs that later died in Khayelitsha, news24 reports

“An autopsy was conducted on the dogs. The cause of death was due to rabies,” the department added.

Western Cape Agriculture MEC, Ivan Meyer, said people and animals who had been in contact with the original two cases have been traced, and appropriate follow-up actions have been taken, including vaccinations and medical treatment.

“In trying to determine the origin of the rabies, we are sending the samples to a lab for viral sequencing, which may give us a better idea of which other rabies viruses in South Africa these two viruses are most closely related to,” he added.

“Pet owners who were not at home at the time of the visits and who still needed their pets to be vaccinated should call the office of the State Veterinarian on 021 808 5253 or visit the nearest animal welfare clinic to arrange vaccination.”

The public is also encouraged to report any signs of rabies to their nearest vet, animal welfare clinic or the State Vet office.

Signs of rabies include sudden changes in behaviour (including aggression, confusion or anxiety), weakness, drooling, difficulty swallowing, staggering, seizures, muscle spasms and paralysis.