Mdzananda Animal Clinic plans to vaccinate 250 dogs this World Rabies Day in an effort to prevent the disease from harming animals in the community.
Khayelitsha, South Africa (26 September 2023) – International World Rabies Day is on the 28th of September and the Mdzananda Animal Clinic, Khayelitsha, aims to vaccinate 250 dogs in one day. This is of great importance after the identification of rabies-infected dogs in the area in 2021 and 2022, the first identified cases in the Western Cape since 1994.
Rabies is a deadly virus which can spread through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite but it can also transmit through saliva coming into contact with lips, eyes or any exposed cuts on the body. The virus can be transmitted to other animals and humans. 99% of human cases result from dog bites and are fatal once symptoms occur. Apart from setting humans in danger the virus causes extreme pain, discomfort and leads to the death of the infected animal.
The clinic will be hosting a mass vaccination day in the Khayelitsha township where pets of the community can receive free vaccinations.
The Clinic is asking members of the public to sponsor a dog for R50. This will cover the costs of the needles, syringes and gloves. The vaccinations are sponsored by the state vet. Each pet will also receive a vaccination against deadly diseases including Parvo Virus, Distemper, Parainfluenza and Adenovirus.
“It is essential to vaccinate your dogs against rabies and now even more so as we’ve had cases presented in Khayelitsha,” says Sr Heidi May, General Manager.
“Symptoms include fever, difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling, staggering, seizures and aggression. There is no specific treatment for rabies. Once symptoms appear it’s nearly always fatal. A vaccine can prevent infection.”
To sponsor a dog you can make a donation to Mdzananda Animal Clinic:
Standard Bank,
Account number: 075595710,
Rondebosch,
Branch Code: 025009,
Reference: Rabies+YourName,
Visit www.mdzananda.co.za or contact info@mdzananda.co.za.
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