An Anti-Rabies Vaccination Campaign which is being spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development commenced recently across the province. This significant blitz campaign serves as a built-up programme towards the World Rabies Day that will be held on 28 September 2011. The campaign further seeks to create awareness about this fatal but preventable disease.
Rabies is a disease which people can get from animals; it is caused by a virus which affects the brain and it also causes death in most instances. The virus is shed in saliva and is spread by the bite of an infected animal.
According to the Department of Health, 543 cases of animal bites were reported in the province between April 2010 to August 2011. In all but one incident, no Rabies or any other animal diseases were contracted. In October 2010, a man died of Rabies after being bitten by a mongoose in Carnarvon.
The department is appealing to communities to vaccinate their animals and protect themselves as rabies is very dangerous disease. It is also important that dogs and cats be vaccinated to reduce the risk to people and animals. Young animals should be vaccinated twice in the first year and then every three years. The vaccine is safe and will not make your animals sick.
Enquiries:
Phemelo Manankong
Tel: 053 839 7881
Cell: 071 889 5112
