The recent rabies outbreaks in the Thulamela area caused distress amongst animal owners throughout the Vhembe area.

The Zoutpansberger decided to find out if Makhado is in any danger of a rabies outbreak, after rumours surfaced about a shortage in vaccines used for the vaccination of domestic animals.

According to Dr Tambudzaani Rhangani, state vet for Makhado, there is no reason for concern over a possible outbreak of rabies in town. He confirmed two incidents where rabies were indeed reported but said they were both isolated cases.

The first case was reported on Monday, May 11, at Madombizha and the second case was reported on Thursday, June 1, out on a farm at Vyeboomdrift. The state responded to both reports. The animals were put down and the disease was limited to the infected animals only.

Dr Rhangani said that animals that were kept in the surrounding area of the infected animals were all vaccinated. The main carriers of the rabies disease are mainly animals such as jackals, wild dogs and mongooses but, since it is impossible to have all these wild animals vaccinated, the responsibility rests on the shoulders of all animal owners to prevent the disease by ensuring that all domestic animals are vaccinated properly.

Dr Rhangani said that the prevention of the disease is a mental issue that is usually disregarded by negligent animal owners. According to him, the infection in animals can’t be cured and that is the reason why so much effort goes into prevention. Dr Rhangani said that people within the Makhado area go to great lengths to ensure their animals are vaccinated when the annual vaccination programmes are launched. He said that prevention is the only real way of protecting domestic animals and residents alike and that enough of the vaccine is kept in reserve.

Dr Rhangani said that rabies will always be all around us and that it is our responsibility to protect our domestic animals. It is important to remember to report any signs of rabies. The symptoms can usually be seen within six weeks of infection. He said that the behaviour of animals is affected by the virus. Wild animals will usually act tamer and tend to get closer to people; with domestic animals it is the exact opposite and they will act wild, refuse to eat and develop a fear of water.

Dr Rhangani said that it is very important to get to the nearest hospital or clinic when a person is bitten by infected animals, as failure to do so can be severe.