Rabies Guide 2010.pdf - the South African Veterinary Council

Quarantine facilities
This should be a well-designed and constructed, dog
and cat-proof kennel/cage from which the animal
cannot escape during the quarantine period. It should
be of sufficient size to house the animal comfortably
and hygienically. The facility should also be designed
so that the animal can be properly attended and the
cage cleaned with running water. This facility must be
approved by a state veterinarian.
Direct contact with the animal by humans and
other animals must be avoided at all costs and
gloves must be worn when feeding/providing water
to the animal. Officials of the
veterinary department should
inspect the facilities at least once
a week. If the animal shows any
signs of abnormal behaviour or
illness, the state veterinarian must
be notified immediately. All costs
The presence
of neutralising
antibodies does
not guarantee
protection against
rabies infection
resulting from quarantine are incurred at the owner’s
expense. Before entering quarantine, any animal
with a vaccination history must be revaccinated and
then boosted three days later. The vaccine must be
administered within one to two days after exposure.
Animals which have had contact with rabid animals,
regardless of their vaccination and immune status or
type of contact, pose a risk of transmitting rabies to
people and animals, should they become rabid. The
conditions of quarantine and element of risk associated
with this course of action, must be conveyed to the
owner in writing (Fig. 10). It is recommended that all
household members be vaccinated
against rabies.
Unfortunately adherence to the
quarantine requirements does not
guarantee that the animal will not
subsequently develop rabies.
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