Mdzanada Animal Clinic raise awareness about the dangers of rabies
Mdzanada Animal
Clinic raise awareness about the dangers of rabies
“Rabies
known to be a deadly virus that spreads to people from the saliva of infected
animals, usually through an animal bite but can also transmit through saliva
coming in to contact with your lips, eyes, or any exposed cuts on your body” –
Mdzananda Animal Clinic
Two rabies cases
were identified at Mdzananda Animal Clinic. Marcelle a veterinarian at
Mdzananda Animal Clinic explains that a community member initially called to
report a change in the dog’s behavior, but after a thoroughly check up on the
dog and running of tests, it was confirmed that what was suspected to be a bone
stuck in the dog’s throat turned out to be a rabies case. The last report of
rabies in the Western Cape was in 1994 and for veterinarians at the clinic they
say, “this is quite concerning because there are really any rabies cases
reported in the Western Cape, hence the need to raise awareness about the
dangers of rabies is of utmost importance”.
What
are some of the noticeable symptoms you might ask, and how can it be
transmitted?
Ummm, normally
when a dog is infected with rabies, there will be a behavioural change in the
dog, “initial stages are difficult to spot but normally the animal will be
quite nostalgic, which means the dog does not really want to eat and as it
progresses you will start to notice the dog changing in personality”, says
Marcelle. And humans can be infected with the virus through a dog bite, and
they carry similar symptoms of those as the animals.
Why
is it important for people to be weary of this virus?
It is important
for pet owners to be alerted about the current rabies cases developing in
communities, because of how quick this virus could spread. Rabies is almost always fatal if it is
left untreated. In fact, once someone with rabies starts experiencing symptoms,
they usually do not survive. Therefore, it is very important to seek medical
attention right away following an animal bite, especially if the bite is from a
wild animal.
On September 28 we
celebrate World Rabies Day to encourage rabies prevention efforts and unite
against rabies. Whether you’re a veterinarian, a medical professional, a
teacher, a dog-lover this is the time to take part in an event that raises
awareness about rabies and its prevention. Prevention is better than cure as
there is no current cure for rabies, but pet owners are encouraged to make sure
they get their animals vaccinated. The clinic has also started a mass
vaccinating campaign for rabies, and on the 28th of September the
clinic will be dedicating the full day to vaccinations.
Mdzananda Animal
Clinic is a veterinary council registered, NPO animal clinic in Khayelitsha,
Cape Town. Mdzananda has a strong focus on community empowerment and education
to ensure responsible pet ownership into the future. It is home to 400 000 people
(2011 census) and their pets. The clinic serves an average of 1000 animals per
month through consultations, hospitalization, general and orthopaedic
surgeries, continuous sterilizations, mobile clinics, an animal ambulance, and
pet adoptions. The clinic currently operates for 5 and a half days: Monday-
Friday (closes at 4pm) and Saturday opens from 8:00-12pm.
Location: Mandela
Park, Govern Mbeki Road
Contact details: email: info@mdzananda
By: Mamesi Lamoen
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