Friday, 22 July 2011

Bonkers bovine lays into chickens

Rabies took on a new dimension in the eShowe district where it was reported that a ‘profusely salivating cow’ took to seriously ruffling some chicken feathers. One of four new rabies cases confirmed in the uThungulu district over the past three weeks -bringing the total to 22 for the year - the bonkers bovine reportedly refused to eat or drink, opting instead for some aggressive chicken hunting. Following this, humans and dogs on the scene were also targeted. Three of the cases were in the eShowe area and one in Heatonville. A dog in the Mpaphala area outside eShowe was biting and attacking anything in its path, eating grass and stones. The second salivating dog was found in the Osumgulweni Reserve attacking and biting other dogs as well as chickens. A stray dog with rabies was also found in Heatonville. The dog entered a property and started fighting with the owner’s dogs. Rabies vaccinations are being carried out in the affected areas. The most important defence is for everyone to have their dogs and cats vaccinated against rabies every year.