The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s Dog Control Unit carried out more than 400 vaccinations of animals in the Perseverance and Despatch areas after a Meerkat tested positive for rabies.
Residents from these areas are requested to vaccinate their animals as soon as possible.
Rabies was suspected after a meerkat acted out of character and bit a dog during a fight almost two weeks ago. After the meerkat was killed, the animal was tested at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute of the University of Pretoria and the dog was placed in isolation in an attempt to curb the disease from spreading.
Rabies is a viral disease that causes inflammation of the brain in warm-blooded animals and it is transmitted by animals most commonly by a bite from the carrier.
After the Onderstepoort results came back positive last Friday, the Dog Control Unit worked feverously to vaccinate as many cats and dogs as possible to contain the spread of the disease.
Another effective precautionary measure is to wash a wound thoroughly with cold water and soap shortly after a bite.
A mobile unit is currently busy in the area to treat the animals.
Residents can call the municipality’s Dog Control Unit at 041 506 1743 to find out where find the mobile unit is.
NMB Communications
Latest posts by NMB Communications (see all)
- Join The Celebration - 26 February 2025
- 6 Municipal Employees Supended - 15 January 2025
- Fishwater Flats Wastewater Treatment Plant Work Progressing Well - 10 January 2025
- Kliprand Protest Brings Action - 7 January 2025
- Mayor Tells Us Why We Had a Successful Festive Season in Nelson Mandela Bay - 6 January 2025
