District
9 February 2007
On 1 February we received a confirmed report from Onderstepoort Veterinary
Institute (OVI) of a positive case of rabies in a horse on a farm between
Somerset West and Stellenbosch. The horse was euthanised on 30 January and a
full post mortem done at the Stellenbosch Veterinary Laboratory. The horse was
an unstabled yearling, which had been at pasture on the farm with a group of
about 9 other horses for the last year or so. We suspect that it must have been
bitten by a rabid carrier, possibly a bat-eared fox.
This is the first case of rabies diagnosed in this area in the last 17
years, but this should not be cause for alarm as it is probably an isolated
case, since the carrier will have died weeks ago. The Department of
Agriculture, Veterinary Services has already embarked on a rabies vaccination
campaign in a 3-kilometre zone around the affected farm, and an intensive
investigation is underway to attempt to ascertain the possible carrier species
involved.
Further test results are awaited from the OVI, which will indicate whether
it is the rabies virus strain, which circulates in wild animals or that, found
in domestic dogs.
As a precaution owners in the area are encouraged to ensure that the rabies
vaccinations of their dogs and cats are up to date and should consult with
their local private veterinarians in this regard. Astute work done by the
veterinarians involved made such an important diagnosis possible and the prompt
response to this challenge by the local Veterinary Department should ensure
that all the at-risk animals in the area are vaccinated as soon as
possible.
Farmers adjacent to the Helderberg Municipality are advised to be on the
alert for any wild animals showing abnormal behaviour, particularly aggression
or lack of fear of people, paralysis or excessive salivation, or if they see
any carcasses of possible vectors lying around. Please report such findings to
the State Veterinary Boland office at telephone number (021) 808 5253.
Enquiries:
Alie van Jaarsveld
Spokesperson
Ministry of Agriculture: Western Cape
Tel: (021) 483 4930
Fax: (021) 483 3890
Cell: 084 604 6701
E-mail: avjaarsv@pgwc.gov.za
Issued by: Ministry of Agriculture, Western Cape Provincial Government
9 February 2007
