DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, LAND REFORM, ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION

 

 

 

 

 

LEFAPHA LA TEMOTHUO, TLHABOLOLO YA

LEFATSHE, TIKOLOGO LE TLHOKOMELO

YA TLHAGO

 

Tel: 053-839 7800

 

 

DEPARTEMENT VAN LANDBOU, GRONDHERVORMING, OMGEWING EN BEWARING

 

 

Fax: 053-839 7827

 

 

ISEBE LEZOLIMO, UGUQULO MHLABA, EZININGQUNGILEYO NOLONDOLOZO

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enquiries:

Dipatlisilo   :

Navrae      :

Imibuzo     :

Thabo Mothibi

Date  :

Letlha :

Datum :

Umhla :

22/08/2006

 

 

 

 

Reference :

Tshupelo    :

Verwysing  :

Isalathiso   :

 

 

 

 

 

To: All Editors:   Embargo – For Immediate Release

Re: Suspected outbreak of Canine Distemper (Kimberley)

 

The Northern Cape’s Department of Agriculture and Land Reform has noted the reportage on the suspected outbreak of canine distemper and wishes to clarify its statutory function regarding the suspected outbreak by stating the following:

 

  • That canine distemper in not listed as a controlled disease and a notifiable disease in terms of the Animal Disease Act (Act 35 of 1984). A controlled animal disease is a disease controlled by the state due to the following reasons:

 

1.      Can pose a public health risk for humans.

2.      Is highly contagious and can spread rapidly

3.      Is difficult to control by individuals

4.      Is a threat to the agriculture industry in South Africa (i.e. can negatively influence stock production over a large area)

5.      Needs extensive resources (money, people, infrastructure) to control it

6.      Important for trade or export reasons: e.g. surveillance should be done to prove freedom of disease 

 

Canine Distemper is normally considered to be a disease that can easily be prevented through the vaccination of puppies and dogs

 

  • The Department has different control measures for controlled animal diseases, notifiable diseases and other animal diseases
  • In South Africa, the prevention of canine distemper is generally regarded as the responsibility of pet owners and Government normally intervenes should the outbreak be proven to be uncontrollable and epidemiologically significant.

 

The current suspected cases in Kimberley do not epidemiologically justify an immediate intervention by Government but we however wish to advise the public on the following:

 

  • To ensure that their dogs are vaccinated against distemper and other canine diseases by Private Veterinarians
  •  That all pets displaying signs or symptoms of sickness must be taken to Private  Veterinarians   

 

The Department will immediately investigate and monitor the extent of the suspected outbreak. We therefore in particular request the SPCA and Private Practitioners to assist the Government by regularly informing the State Veterinary Office on the suspected and confirmed cases encountered.       

 

Enquiries: Thabo Mothibi  - 083 255 8840 / 053 8389100/ tmothibi@agri.ncape.gov.za

Source   :  Department of Agriculture and Land Reform