20 children die of rabies

DIRECTOR of veterinary and livestock services Dr. Xolani Dlamini says 20 children have died due to rabies related illnesses.
He said it was saddening to see children dying as a result of a dog bite that has not been vaccinated against rabies.
Speaking on Saturday during a rabies vaccination campaign by the ministry of agriculture department of veterinary and livestock services together with the ministry of health  at the Siphofaneni Inkhundla, Dr. Dlamini said it was unfair for children to be attacked by dogs on their way from school or shops.
He urged parents to take dog bites seriously by taking their children to the clinic after a dog bite within 24 hours. Dr. Dlamini said children were the most vulnerable to rabies and it was estimated that more than 55 000 people die from rabies every year mainly in Asia and Africa.
“It is important that children are supervised and know how to behave around dogs. Children are more likely to be bitten by dogs than adults and many dog bites occur as a result of a child initiating an interaction with a dog,” said the director.
He said there was no cure for rabies but they were preventable as he said vaccines were available for people and animals. He said dog bites were the main factor of rabies in humans.
He said the aim of celebrating the world rabies day was to raise awareness about the impact of rabies on people.
Siphofaneni Member of Parliament Gundwane Gamedze expressed disappointment over the poor turn out by the residents at the event. He wondered why the people could not make it to such an important event.
“Dogs have claimed a lot of lives as they bite people thus infecting them with rabies and also stray along the road in the process causing accidents that take away people’s lives. This educational activity is very important and needed the community to be here to be educated on dog vaccination,” he said.
He, however, thanked the ministry of agriculture for taking the initiative to teach the people. MP Gamedze urged the department of veterinary services to consider going to schools to teach students about the issue of rabies.

A strange disease
affecting livestock

Siphofaneni Member of Parliament Gundvwane Gamedze has reported that there was a strange disease affecting livestock, particularly cattle around the area.
He urged the Director of veterinary services, Dr. Xolani Dlamini to visit some of the affected farmers to see the cattle.
He said the disease affect the ear of a cow as if something had entered thus the cow becomes weak and later dies. He said he first heard about the disease at one Tibiyo farm and later saw it affecting some cattle within the area.
He said they reported the cases to the office of veterinary services and tests were taken.
What are the signs of rabies in dogs?
A dog that has rabies may look fearful or aggressive. It may be salivating too much and finding it hard to swallow.
Dogs with rabies may also be staggering or having seizures.
Dogs may have rabies and not show any outward signs at all.

TIPS
Never disturb a dog that is eating, sleeping or caring for puppies. Dogs may bite if startled or frightened. Do not throw sticks or stones at a dog. Do not get to a dog which is tied or behind a fence.
Do not get close to small puppies-the mother may bite to protect her puppies. Do not look a dog straight in the eye.
If a dog attacks assume the position of a rock. Curl into a ball and protect your face.