Fox forces anti-rabies drive

AN anti-rabies vaccination campaign is in full swing at Keetmanshoop.

State Veterinary official Dr Tino Dakwa said yesterday that a fox that bit some dogs at the southern town two weeks ago tested positive for rabies after it was shot dead by a resident. “The campaign is in the best interest of the community …to protect their dogs against rabies,” Dakwa said.Rabies is an acute viral disease that is nearly always fatal if left untreated.Humans can contract rabies through being bitten by rabid animals.Prompt treatment is vital.”If rabies is left untreated within the first 24 hours, it can cause human deaths,” Dakwa warned.Two children at the town were bitten by a rabies-infected dog in 2004.Fortunately they received swift medical treatment.Dakwa yesterday urged dog owners to take all dogs over three months old for an anti-rabies jab.To date 279 dogs and 72 cats had been vaccinated, Dakwa said.The week-long vaccination campaign ends tomorrow.”The campaign is in the best interest of the community …to protect their dogs against rabies,” Dakwa said.Rabies is an acute viral disease that is nearly always fatal if left untreated.Humans can contract rabies through being bitten by rabid animals.Prompt treatment is vital.”If rabies is left untreated within the first 24 hours, it can cause human deaths,” Dakwa warned. Two children at the town were bitten by a rabies-infected dog in 2004.Fortunately they received swift medical treatment.Dakwa yesterday urged dog owners to take all dogs over three months old for an anti-rabies jab.To date 279 dogs and 72 cats had been vaccinated, Dakwa said.The week-long vaccination campaign ends tomorrow.