The province recognises that rabies is a deadly disease among warm bodied animals that can be transmitted to humans by bites, especially dogs and vaccination of pets is the most effective way of protecting human exposure against this deadly disease.
Veterinary services officials will from Monday 5 October until 30 December 2009 parade the province, added by mobile animal clinics in a bid to curb what is termed as the oldest and deadliest disease known to mankind.
Head Animal Diseases Surveillance Unit, Dr Ivan Lwanga-Iga says rabies is primarily a disease of children, who are particularly at risk from this terrible disease, due to their close contact with dogs, the major global source.
“Children are more likely to suffer multiple bites and scratches to the face and head, both of which carry a higher risk of contracting rabies. Children are often unaware of the danger that dogs transmit rabies and may not tell their parents when a bite, lick, or scratch has occurred from an infected animal. “While rabies transmitted mainly by bite, exposure may also occur through contamination of broken skin or mucous membranes with saliva from an infected animal. Once neurological symptoms of the disease develop, rabies is fatal to both animals and humans. The good news is that rabies is easily preventable,” Lwanga-Iga adds.
The department therefore calls all members of the society including the media to spread the gospel about the vaccination of pets that will occur in their areas posters that notify them about the venue, time and dates will pasted in all public places. People are also urged to contact the local offices of the department for more information.
The department would like to remind and warn people that:
Rabies prevention starts with the animal owner. Protect yourself, your pet and your community by taking animals to be vaccinated. Avoid stray animals and wildlife. If you are bitten, wash bite wounds with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately. If your pet is bitten, consult your veterinarian immediately. Prompt and appropriate treatment after being bitten and before the disease develops can stop rabies infection and prevent the disease in humans and animals.
For more information please contact:
Ivan Lwanga-Iga
Cell: 082 566 3670
Tel: 043 683 1008
Issued by: Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
2 October 2009
