World Rabies Day: Why should I care?
There has been a surge of rabies-related cases in KZN, but MEC Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi has a plan.
In the last few months, there have been multiple rabies cases confirmed in the uMlazi, Mbumbulu, and Marianhill areas.
READ: Sir David Attenborough breaks Instagram record
Unfortunately, some of these cases have led to five boys tragically losing their lives.
Although the disease has been eliminated in the eThekwini Metro area, it keeps re-emerging.
READ: Unveiling the puff adder’s mysterious disappearing
It keeps showing its ugly head due to an increasing number of stray dogs and pet owners not correctly vaccinating their animals.
That’s why MEC Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi has taken it into her own hands to help combat this terrible disease by leading a dog-vaccination drive which is coming to a close on World Rabies Day!
@kzndard @BongiMec will be leading a vaccination drive in Umlazi @dbntourism to commemorate World Rabies Day 28-09-2020. All pet owners in Umlazi &surrounding areas are encouraged to bring their pets for vaccination on
— KZN DARD (@kzndard) September 24, 2020
@kzngov @DALRRDgov_ZA @GCISMedia @GCIS_KZN @VukuzenzeleNews pic.twitter.com/LpyPbctfcf
READ: "Not many people know this about me but..."
During the three-month vaccination and sterilization drive, they have helped close to 5,000 dogs and cats become risk-free.
Hopefully this will encourage pet owners to vaccinate and sterilise their animals, not just on World Rabies Day, but in the future as well.
It might seem like one small gesture, but it could save a life.
Main image courtesy of iStock