The KZN Agriculture Department has warned that the province is facing a rabies outbreak.
The Agriculture Department says communities need to act together as a matter of urgency to prevent the disease from spreading further.
MEC Meshack Radebe's called on pet owners to have their animals vaccinated, saying the department cannot win the war alone.
He has been briefing the media in Durban on plans to roll out a campaign across the East Coast to vaccinate 600 000 dogs this year.
The World Health Organisation's donated R16.5-million to help fund ongoing efforts.
Radebe says the disease will be treated like a natural disaster in KZN and extra money will be sourced to continue with vaccination campaigns.
An emotional Radebe had to take several deep breaths to compose himself when describing how he felt when he attended the funerals of two people who died from rabies earlier this year.
He says one cannot imagine the ordeal families go through when loved ones are battling the disease.
He says residents must take responsibility for their own pets, and ensure they are vaccinated.
He added that most people contract the virus when they are bitten by their own animals.
He says it's expected to cost the provincial government R50-million a year to provide vaccinations.
- East Coast Radio
No comments:
Post a Comment