Code red rabies outbreak in Magaliesburg, North Western Gauteng. On 29 October 2016, the alarm was raised by a local resident regarding what seemed to be a stray dog that was behaving strangely.
The dog in the picture was running from farm to farm biting and attacking dogs, cats and horses. Conserv picked up on the activity and posted the following on Whatsapp (Dear Members. Please do the sums. This dog has been involved in no less than six known incidents. Attacking cattle, horses, cats and dogs. This is not normal. I urge you to contact the state vet. We have a rabies epidemic. Please do not take this lightly.)
By the 31st October the dog was shot and sent off to be tested for rabies. On Wednesday the 2nd November 2016 the State Vet found the dog had tested positive for rabies. A Code Red Rabies Warning was issued by Conserv. Well done to the State Vet who responded to the incident the next day, and will be having a follow up vaccination program this week. However, we will not know what trail of havoc this dog may have left behind before being tested positive. Time will tell.
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