SIBONGISENI MAPHUMULO
In a significant move to ensure the safety and health of local animals, the Port Alfred SPCA hosted a successful vaccination drive on Wednesday, September 4, 2024. The event, organized by para-veterinarians Alizwa Mpehle and Thato Tengani, was part of a broader initiative led by the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) Community Clinics. The drive offered free rabies vaccinations to the community, underscoring the importance of maintaining a rabies-free environment in the area.
The event, held from 1 pm to 4 pm, drew a considerable turnout, with local residents bringing their pets to the SPCA for the vital vaccinations. SAVA Community Clinics, operating under the slogan “Making your community a safe place,” spearheaded the vaccination efforts, which included not only Port Alfred but also the neighboring town of Alexandria.
Mpehle, who played a pivotal role in the organization of the event, expressed immense satisfaction with the outcome. “We had set an ambitious target of vaccinating 3,000 dogs over the course of the week, and I’m proud to say that we reached that goal in just two days,” Mpehle stated. The rapid success of the vaccination campaign speaks volumes about the community’s commitment to keeping their pets and, by extension, their neighborhoods safe from the threat of rabies.
Mpehle also highlighted the strategic importance of choosing Port Alfred for the drive. “Port Alfred is a rabies-free zone, and we wanted to maintain that status. There’s currently a rabies outbreak stretching from Gqeberha to East London, but Port Alfred has remained relatively untouched. We’re grateful for that and want to ensure it stays that way” Mpehle said. “It’s not just a one-time thing. Pet owners need to be vigilant. Dogs and cats should be vaccinated every year, or if vaccinated after six months, they can receive a booster shot after three years,” he explained.
The SAVA Community Clinics spared no effort in ensuring the drive’s success. A fleet of vehicles, comprising four vans and one small car, was dispatched for the event. Each vehicle was staffed with two Animal Health Technicians, making up a team of 10 professionals dedicated to the cause. One of the vehicles was even stationed in Bathurst to conduct vaccinations there.
Thanks to the overwhelming response and the achievement of their initial target, Mpehle revealed plans to extend the vaccination campaign to smaller towns in the surrounding area, including Peddie. “Our work doesn’t stop here. With the momentum we’ve gained, we’re now looking to reach out to other communities that need our help.”
Lisa Nyanya, the manager and assistant nurse at the Port Alfred SPCA, was among those who witnessed the event’s impact firsthand. “It’s heartening to see so many people coming out to ensure the well-being of their pets,” Nyanya said. “Taking care of community animals is crucial, not just for their health, but for the safety of everyone.” Nyanya emphasised the importance of ongoing pet care and vaccinations.
The success of the Port Alfred vaccination drive is a testament to the power of community action and the importance of preventative measures in animal health. With the initial target exceeded, the SAVA Community Clinics and their dedicated team of para-veterinarians are already planning their next steps, ensuring that even the most remote areas receive the attention they need.
As rabies continues to pose a threat in other parts of the region, Port Alfred stands as an example of what can be achieved through coordinated efforts and community involvement. The SPCA, alongside organizations like SAVA, remains committed to safeguarding the health of pets and, by extension, the well-being of the entire community.
Rabies is a viral disease that primarily affects animals but can be transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected animal. It is a significant public health concern, especially in areas where domestic animals, such as dogs and cats, or wild animals like bats, are in close contact with humans. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal, making prevention through vaccination crucial.
In many local communities, especially in rural areas, the risk of rabies is higher due to limited access to veterinary care and awareness. Public health campaigns focus on encouraging pet vaccinations, prompt medical care following animal bites, and educating the community about avoiding contact with wild or stray animals.
September 28th is World Rabies Day, an opportunity to raise awareness and promote rabies prevention efforts. Local authorities often use this time to provide free or discounted vaccinations for pets and to spread information about how to recognize rabies in animals and what to do if bitten. By ensuring animals are vaccinated, communities can prevent the spread of this deadly disease.
- This article was first published in Talk of the Town, September 12, 2024. The newspaper serving the communities of Ndlambe and the Sunshine Coast, with a weekly wrap of Makhanda news, is available at stores from early on Thursdays.