Authorities have confirmed a positive case of rabies in a dog in Strand. The Western Cape Veterinary Services says that on 7 March it received laboratory results confirming rabies in a dog that area.
In a statement, the provincial department of Agriculture reminded residents that: “Rabies is a viral disease that can affect animals and people. It is transmitted by saliva or other body fluids. For example, a dog or person can be infected by being bitten, scratched, or licked by a rabid animal. Once rabies has been established, there is no effective treatment. However, rabies is very easy to prevent by vaccinating dogs and cats..”

In response, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s Veterinary officials are offering free rabies vaccinations for cats and dogs in the Strand area from 11 am to 16:30 on the following dates:

• 15 March 2022 at  Victoria Park 1
• 16 March 2022 at  Behind Kwik Spar Strand
• 17 March 2022 at Open space on the corner of Lichtenstein and De Vos Streets

Pet owners in the Strand and other areas of Cape Town are also encouraged to take their pets to their private veterinarian or animal welfare organisation to make sure their rabies vaccinations are up to date. It’s important to do this as ensuring vaccination of pets will prevent a large-scale outbreak of rabies and save human lives.

For further information, contact the Boland state veterinary office on (021)8085253 or email: svboland@elsenburg.com