Veterinarians for Animal
Welfare Zimbabwe
18 Borrowdale Road, Harare
RABIES
In a recent
incident, a man was alleged to have been bitten by a dog whilst visiting a
property in Harare. Several days later, he was admitted to hospital (he had not
been well for some time), where he passed away. The medical staff could not
rule out Rabies as a possible cause of death and when further investigated, it
was found that the Rabies Certificate for the dog had expired. In cases like
this, the Veterinary Department is tasked with ensuring that the dog is
quarantined and monitored for a stipulated period of time, or, if the dog is a
stray, unmanageable or vicious, they have the legal right to destroy the animal
there and then (usually by shooting) and send the animal for testing.
The report
made to the Veterinary Department indicated that the dog was vicious, and,
acting on this information, they arrived at the property with a weapon.
Fortunately VAWZ Inspectors were on the scene and were able to calm the
situation and uplift the dog for quarantine (it has since been re-vaccinated and
returned to the owner). Contrary to rumours circulating, VAWZ does not
carry a weapon, and certainly would not dream of shooting anyone’s pet.
Discussions have since taken place with the Vet Department on how to approach
these situations with the emphasis being on humane destruction of the animal if
so required.
In this
case, the owner of the dog is guilty of contravening The Animal Health Act and
is liable to a fine as well as ensuring that the dog is vaccinated before
release from quarantine. Rabies is 100% fatal for both man and animals and it
is irresponsible to allow your dogs’ vaccinations to lapse. It doesn’t matter
if the dog is well known or by whom – if your certificate has expired, you’re
in trouble.
Vaccination
Information:
Dogs:
6 weeks
1st Parvo
9
weeks
2nd Parvo
12 weeks
5
in 1 and Rabies
1 year
old
Booster 5 in 1 and Rabies
Thereafter, 5 in 1 and Rabies annually. If the Rabies vaccination has
lapsed, a booster will be necessary 6 months after re-vaccination date.
Cats:
9
weeks
First IFE / IFR (Cat Flu and Snuffles)
12 weeks
Booster IFE / IFR and Rabies
Thereafter, IFE / IFR and Rabies annually
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