SPCA emphasises danger of rabies after 2 dogs euthanised in Cape Town
he Cape of Good Hope SPCA said that officials were investigating a confirmed case of rabies and a second suspected case in the Capri community on the Cape Peninsula.
Picture: Cape of Good Hope SPCA/Facebook
CAPE TOWN - The Cape of Good Hope SPCA said that officials were investigating a confirmed case of rabies and a second suspected case in the Capri community on the Cape Peninsula.
The dogs, from the same household, have been humanely euthanised at a private veterinary practice as a precautionary measure.
Rabies is a viral and fatal disease, mostly transmitted from animals to humans, mainly via a bite from an already infected animal.
However, exposure may also occur through contamination of broken skin or mucous membranes with saliva from an infected animal.
The organisation's Belinda Abraham said that the vaccination of pets was the most effective way of protecting both humans and animals from exposure to this potentially deadly virus.
"The Cape of Good Hope SPCA is in liaison with the Boland State Veterinary Services and other authorities, and we’re standing by to offer our assistance via proactive vaccination of animals in the area and wherever else necessary to prevent the spread of this deadly disease and to ensure the safety and well-being of both animals and the community."
Abraham said that the signs of rabies in animals could vary.
"People need to look out for any sudden changes in behaviour and this could include either an aggressive or wild animal becoming tame or calm or a calm animal suddenly becoming aggressive. You can look out for paralysis or partial paralysis and any abnormal vocalisation, so dogs barking strangely, almost as if there's something stuck in their throat."