By Muifha Tshifhiwa and Maphuti Machabaphala
Administering vaccine to prevent Rabies.
Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) intensified its awareness during Rabies Month – at Ramokgopa, Botlokwa in Capricorn East Agro Ecological Zone and in Vhembe District – which was observed on 27 September 2024.
Rabies is a deadly virus that can spread to people and other animals through the saliva of the infected animals, and usually the carrier is most likely dogs, cats, bats, hyenas, skunks, and racoons, amongst others. A change in temperament is one of the first and most well-known symptoms of rabies. The infectious disease is fortunately preventable through the vaccine and can be treated by medical professionals upon being bitten by the carrier or suspected carrier, however it is nearly always fatal once the symptoms appear.
The symptoms of rabies in humans, however, include pains in the muscles, dizziness, fatigue, malaise, and psychological symptoms, among them are delirium, fear or hallucination. The behavioural symptoms include aggression and irritability, and lastly the common symptoms are anxiety, brain death, and coma, said Csiky Molefe.
All the districts were on vaccination drive and educational campaigns aid enlightening the communities about the virus. They were also highlighting the importance of vaccination to domestic pets to prevent any damage or loss of live in their animals and to the people living amongst their pets.
Dr Ngoako Ramaselela highlighted during his address at Ramokgopa the possible scenarios of how their pets can be infected by the carriers while they are out hunting in the wild, or if their pets are not living in a controlled environment like a gated yard or house. Thus, because these animals are most likely to come across wild animals that possibly have rabies and can pass it on to their pets which will in turn return with it home and create a negative domino effect on the community and the keepers of these pets.
The awareness campaign was coupled with a three-kilometre fun walk where participants were awarded with incentives.
In his concluding remarks, Masindi Marimba, Director for Vhembe District said, “we remain hopeful to the future where rabies is no longer a threat to the communities and where all pets are vaccinated as we continue with our vaccination drive even beyond the month of September.”
Pets owners urged to contribute to#EndRabiesNow by vaccinating their dogs and cats and share Rabies information with those they love.
Hydrophobia or Rabies is a deadly virus that can spread to people and other animals through the saliva of the infected animals.
