The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has warned travellers of potential rabies outbreak in high-risk areas across the country.
This comes as many holidaymakers have already begun their journeys across the country, and a rise in tourist numbers spending their festive holidays in the country.
The department’s spokesperson, Reggie Ngcobo said the deadly virus is common in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga.
“The coastal areas of KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape are at a particularly high risk for rabies, the public is advised not to approach, touch, or pick up stray dogs and cats from these areas for whatever purpose,’’ said Ngcobo.
Rabies is reported to be the most fatal infectious disease, which spreads through the infected saliva of a rabid animal.
This can happen through a scratch, wound or through contact with mucous membranes.
In the past decade there has been an increase in cases reported from areas in the North West and the Free State, where the virus has been controlled before.
The department called on domestic animal owners to ensure that their pets are vaccinated from rabies.
“All dogs and cats must be correctly vaccinated against rabies, as required by law. This is how you can protect your pets and family. Enquire with your local state veterinarian, animal health technician, private veterinarian, or animal welfare organization for access to rabies vaccinations,” added Ngcobo.
He advised pet owners who suspect that their pets have been exposed to an animal that may have rabies, to wash the wound very well with soap under running water and to immediately seek preventative treatment at your nearest healthcare facility.
Furthermore, people are also advised to avoid handling stray animals and to report them to local welfare authorities.
Meanwhile, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases revealed in October that in nearly five years, 77 cases of human rabies, including 58 laboratory-confirmed and 19 probable cases, were reported in the country.
