Search continues for owner of puppy that tested positive for rabies at P’maritzburg SPCA

Durban — The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (Dard) has echoed the call of the SPCA Pietermaritzburg to help find the person who brought a puppy that tested positive for rabies.

On Wednesday morning on its Facebook page, SPCA Pietermaritzburg posted: “If you know the person who brought a tan, cross-breed puppy, about 3 months old, to the PMB SPCA holding kennel on Sunday, July 14, between 1pm and 2.30pm, please contact the PMB SPCA urgently at 033 386 9267 or 083 627 9736. When examined by our vet, the dog presented symptoms of a zoonotic disease.”

On Thursday, Dard MEC Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa said: “Our veterinarians have confirmed 15 cases of rabies in KZN and in Imbali, there are five cases. This is why we decided to take the necessary measures to curb the spread of this fatal disease swiftly.”

KaMadlopha-Mthethwa was speaking in Imbali during a rabies vaccination drive.

She said they received a report from the SPCA stating that there was a person or persons at risk, who unknowingly might be infected with rabies.

She said when the SPCA assessed the puppy, it was found to be positive for rabies.

“Those who brought the puppy need immediate treatment, that is why we need the community’s help in finding them,” kaMadlopha-Mthethwa said.

She explained that rabies is transmitted through a bite or touching the saliva of an animal that has rabies.

“Based on the report we received, the puppy was violent. It is possible some people were bitten before the puppy was taken to the SPCA.

“The department is desperately trying to find the individual who took the puppy to the SPCA,” kaMadlopha-Mthethwa continued.

“We are calling on all community leaders to assist us with finding this individual as this could be a matter of life and death.”

KaMadlopha-Mthethwa said rabies was fatal but if those bitten by infected dogs receive medical treatment immediately, they have a chance of survival.

“Coastal areas such as eThekwini, Ugu and Ilembe districts have traditionally been known to be rabies hotspots. However, in the past year, the disease has been moving inland towards Pietermaritzburg where positive cases have been confirmed,” KaMadlopha-Mthethwa said.

“We therefore urge pet owners in the Midlands, Pietermaritzburg and surroundings to be responsible and take their pets to government or private facilities to be vaccinated.

“We are uncertain of what is causing the inward movement of the disease but we are doing all that we can to bring awareness and encourage animal owners to get them vaccinated,” KaMadlopha-Mthethwa continued.

Last month, Netcare provided the following tips on what to do in the event of potential rabies exposure:

• Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water for at least 10 minutes.
• Consult a doctor, clinic, or hospital emergency department immediately.
• If there is a potential rabies risk, a series of rabies vaccinations is needed. Post-exposure prophylaxis must start as soon as possible after the bite.
• Depending on the severity of the injury, your doctor may also inject rabies immunoglobulin into the wound. Rabies immunoglobulin is only available at certain major hospital centres. However, this can be administered in the first week after the bite.
• Keep a record of the dates of each rabies vaccination and complete the course as medically instructed.

How to protect your family against rabies:

• Ensure your pets and livestock’s rabies vaccinations are up to date.
• Avoid contact with wild, stray, or unfamiliar animals.
• Keep your domesticated animals away from animals that may not be vaccinated or any wild animal carcasses.
• If you will travel to a rural or remote area where rabies is endemic, it is worth considering a travel clinic visit for pre-exposure vaccination, especially for young children. The huge benefit of this is that it provides lifelong immunity and if exposed just two vaccinations are needed on the day of the bite and the third day following the bite.
• Educate your children about the risks of rabies. Ensure friends, family, and childminders know about the risks of rabies and the urgency of seeking medical attention for potential exposure.

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