Animal clinic observes World Rabies Day

A busy day at the Mdzananda Animal Clinic in Khayelitsha.

The Mdzananda Animal Clinic plans to vaccinate 100 dogs tomorrow, Friday September 28, International World Rabies Day.

The clinic will hold a mass vaccination day when Khayelitsha’s pets can get free vaccinations.

Rabies is a deadly virus that
can spread to people from the
saliva of infected animals, and 99% of human cases result from dog bites and are fatal once symptoms occur.

“Luckily the Western Cape is not a hot spot for rabies,” says Mdzananda’s Marcelle du Plessis. “This does, however, not mean that we shouldn’t prepare against it.

All it takes is for one infected dog to come into our community for the virus to spread rapidly. Since neighbouring provinces have reported cases of rabies, we always have to be vigilant.”

The highly contagious and deadly virus is preventable through a simple vaccination. Dr Friedl le Roux, head veterinarian at Mdzananda, says dogs and cats should first be vaccinated for rabies between four and six months of age.

“They need a booster one year from that date. Thereafter, they need to be vaccinated once every three years.”On World Rabies
Day, we will be vaccinating 100 dogs, most of them for the first time. Owners will receive a vaccination card indicating when to bring their pets for their booster shot and the importance of this follow up shot will be explained to them.”

The Mdzananda Animal Clinic is asking members of the public to sponsor a dog for R50.

A R50 donation will cover the costs of administering the vaccine including needles, syringes, gloves and veterinarian’s time.

They have received the vaccinations free of charge from the state vet.

Email info@mdzananda.co.za for more information.