News
Know how to protect yourself from rabies
The South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) has issued a statement emphasizing the critical nature of combating rabies, a deadly zoonotic disease that poses a significant threat to both humans and animals. Rabies is a viral disease with high fatality rates if left untreated, affecting mammals including household pets, wildlife, livestock, and humans.
The SAVA’s awareness campaign, titled ‘Breaking Boundaries,’ aims to educate the public on recognizing the common signs of rabies. It is mandatory for pet owners to ensure that their dogs and cats are vaccinated against rabies to prevent the spread of the disease and safeguard both human and animal populations.
In Sandton, the Bryanston Veterinary Hospital (BVH) provided insights on the nature of rabies and the protocols followed in dealing with cases within the community. BVH veterinarian Antoinette Rudolph advised prompt medical attention for any mammalian bites to mitigate the risk of rabies transmission.
Rudolph emphasized the urgency of seeking medical assistance following animal bites to assess the need for rabies vaccination. Quick identification and treatment are crucial, as rabies symptoms progress rapidly in humans, often leading to fatal outcomes if not addressed promptly.
Rudolph highlighted the swift development of clinical signs in rabies-infected individuals, underscoring the importance of taking animal bites seriously and seeking immediate medical evaluation. Vaccinating animals in close proximity is key to preventing the spread of rabies, offering protection to both animals and humans.
In conclusion, Rudolph stressed the importance of vaccination as a preventive measure against rabies, emphasizing the interconnectedness of protecting pets to safeguard human health from potential rabies exposure.
