Michael Sakuneka

Michael Sakuneka

Mopani district municipality in Limpopo has warned residents to be on the alert after an outbreak of rabies in various parts of the district recently.

This after increasing reports of incidents of rabies in the Tzaneen area since the beginning of the month.

Municipal manager Tim Maake said the matter was becoming serious after several incidents of rabies were reported in several local municipalities since the beginning of the year.

He said the first case was reported at Lenyenye in February, at Modjadjiskloof in March, at Phalaborwa in August and at Tzaneen recently.

Maake said people should work closely with veterinarians from the department of agriculture to prevent the disease from spreading. He also warned people to be on the lookout for dogs and cats acting strangely and aggressively, spitting foam-like saliva.

"If they have the symptoms, they should be taken in to the nearest veterinary surgeons to be vaccinated."

He said people who are bitten by dogs should be rushed to hospital .

Meanwhile, chief veterinarian in the department of agriculture Lucas Mampane said people should make sure dogs and cats were vaccinated for the disease.