4/2020
By Olebogeng Molale
In an effort to eradicate Rabies, more than 600 cats and dogs were vaccinated at Mayibuye Cultural Centre in observing Rabies Awareness month. Since the beginning of October, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development embarked on a door to door campaign in Galeshewe to educate the public on the importance of animal vaccination, particularly pets.
MEC for Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Mase Manopole said government provided funding for dogs and cats’ vaccination in all municipalities around the province.
Manopole encouraged pet owners to take advantage of the opportunity and get their animals vaccinated for free. She indicated that the department is planning to vaccinate over 10 000 dogs. “It is a worldwide goal to curb deaths occurring as a result of the disease by 2030,” said the MEC.
Rabies transmission occurs through a scratch or when infected saliva makes contact with an open fresh wound. The disease can quickly spread from animals to human beings. Dogs are the most common source of transmitting Rabies. They bite readily and regularly have contact with humans and other animals. Symptoms may be similar to those of flu, which may last for days. It is a fatal disease causing the death of around 59 000people per year worldwide.
According to the department about 23 rabies cases have been reported in Kimberley, Springbok, Upington, and De Aar- with Port Nolloth having the highest cases of dog bites in the Province.
Manopole visited the Kimberley SPCA, Veterinary Clinic, Vets 4 All and the Belgravia Veterinary Clinic and donated vaccines for dogs and cats. The above mentioned Clinics will vaccinate animals for free.
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