A cat which attacked and bit two people in Rosashof without provocation has been put down after it was found to have been infected with rabies. This was a previously very friendly cat that was fed by the same two people on a daily basis.
The Vanderbijlpark/Sasolburg and Districts SPCA were called in and the cat attacked and bit the SPCA Inspector on the foot. The cat was taken to the SPCA facility where it was humanely euthanized.
By this time the cat showed the following symptoms:
- behavioural changes cat became very aggressive;
- excessive vocalization;
- biting of the cat carrier; and
- drooling of saliva.
Tests were conducted and returned positive for rabies. The people that were bitten are on rabies post exposure treatment, with two admitted in hospital. This is the first case of rabies in a pet in Emfuleni in the last 7 years.
Rabies is a disease affecting the brain and can lead to the death of the person or animal involved. Symptoms vary widely and includes behavioural changes, aggressiveness and paralysis.
Symptoms can occur from 7 days to 6 months after being affected with the virus. The virus occurs in great numbers in the saliva of rabid (i.e. an infected animal showing symptoms of rabies) animals. Avoid touching or caressing a strange, injured or sick animal.
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development wishes to re-emphasize the following:
- It is compulsory for all dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies. Failure to vaccinate domestic pets is illegal and is a public health risk;
- Members of the public should avoid touching or caressing strange, injured or sick animals;
- Any person or domestic pet which have been bitten by a strange animal, should immediately contact their local State Veterinarian or local Health Authority; and
- Any animal which has not been vaccinated should immediately be taken to your private Veterinarian or the local SPCA for a Health check and to be vaccinated.
In order to ensure that there is a high degree of immunity against rabies amongst the pet population; the Gauteng Veterinary Services will have a booster vaccination campaign (at the same time) at the following places:
- Barrage SAPS
- Noord Vaal Community Hall on R42 Mullerstuine
- Roads and Storm Water Emfuleni Local Municipality Offices 84 Acia Road Louisrus.
Date: 2 December 2013
Time: 09h30 to 16h00
There is no cost to the pet owner for this service.
People living in the following areas; Rosashof, Nanescol, Gladwood, Rietspruit, Mullerstuine, Stephanopark, Northdene, Vaalview, Ardenwold, Mooiwater, Vaalfontein, Louisrus, Lochvaal, Barrage, Kaalplaats, Mirravaal, Noordloch, Boschdraai and Theoville should bring their pets for vaccination / revaccination.
All dogs and cats over the age of three months that have not been vaccinated for rabies this year must be vaccinated. The public can choose between having the vaccination of their pets done by their private veterinarian or by the State. The presence of rabies in an area must always be considered as extremely serious.
The Directorate of Veterinary Services is confident that with the cooperation of all role players, including the Emfuleni Local Municipality, other animal welfare organisations, as well as the public, this situation can soon be brought under control.
