Dog owners urged to monitor animals following serious disease

Nelson Mandela Bay dog owners and the community of Walmer Township and surrounding areas have been urged to closely monitor their dogs and those of their neighbours after a number of dogs contracted the very serious canine distemper virus. 

"The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality would like to inform that our directorate of public health has established that a number of dogs have contracted the very serious disease," municipal spokesman Mthubanzi Mniki said on Friday (05/06/15).

Symptoms of the disease include coughing, sneezing, thick mucus coming from the eyes and nose, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, lethargy and loss of appetite.

Although this disease is not harmful to human beings, it is a very serious and highly contagious disease among dogs.

"We urge communities from the aforementioned areas to closely monitor their dogs and those of their neighbours for symptoms of this disease," Mniki said.

Residents who suspect that their dogs have contracted the disease, must take them to a veterinarian immediately for urgent diagnosis and treatment.

Residents who cannot afford the services of a veterinarian, must urgently call the municipal dog control inspectorate at 041- 506-1743.

-The Herald