Anti-rabies drive targets northern KZN

Agriculture officials say the programme is geared towards containing a suspected outbreak of rabies.  

They'll use the next six months to attack the outbreak as early as possible to save lives. 

Yesterday, the department visited the family of a two-year-old boy who died after being bitten by a rabid dog in Bhamshela, outside Tongaat on the north coast late last month. 

Dr. Themba Skhakhane who works alongside the department says they've identified a 'belt' in KZN where rabies outbreaks are more prevalent. 

"That runs from the northern parts of Durban up to Richards Bay. We've picked up a few cases of late in Ntumeni, eShowe. We want to concentrate on those areas. We are going to be visible and we will spend more money on marketing and on us coming here," he says. 

Skhakhane says there are signs people should lookout for when approached by unknown dogs.

"Any dog that's acting funny - they howl, they avoid water. They bark unnecessarily, they show dementia signs. Avoid dogs you don't know and make sure your dog is vaccinated," he says.