The Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) is urging anyone who may have been bitten by a donkey suspected of being infected with rabies in Nqanqarhu, Elundini Local Municipality, to get post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for rabies.
This is after a donkey exhibiting signs of rabies, including aggression and unusual behaviour, was reported to have bitten several individuals, including a child, on Wednesday.
The donkey was subsequently put down by members of the South African Police Services (SAPS) after DRDAR veterinarians were unable to euthanise it due to its aggressive behaviour.
The DRDAR State veterinarian in Elundini, Dr Chanelle Kyle, said: “The animal was clearly suffering and posed a risk to the community at large.”
She said after the donkey was put down by the police, samples from the animal were taken and sent to the laboratory for testing.
“The local clinic confirmed that at least two individuals had presented to the clinic with bite wounds from the donkey, one of which is a young child. We also received an unconfirmed report that an individual was hospitalised. The hospital has also been contacted and informed about the situation,” said Kyle.
She said several reports indicate that more people were bitten by the donkey, but did not seek medical treatment.
Kyle stressed that every effort is being made to locate these individuals and spread awareness so that they can receive rabies PEP.
PEP is a series of vaccinations and medications that can prevent the development of rabies if administered promptly after exposure.
To prevent the spread of rabies, the DRDAR is urging communities to take all necessary precautions, such as vaccinating all their pets against rabies, avoiding contact with wild animals, especially those that appear sick or injured, and refraining from handling or feeding wild animals. – SAnews.gov.za
