This year, most of our energy has been directed at controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. But there are many infectious diseases that are far more dangerous than COVID- 19. One of these is rabies.
Rabies is a contagious, viral zoonosis that causes damage to the brain and spinal cord, and is uniformly fatal. It affects animals and humans.
Two biotypes of rabies virus occur in Southern Africa: the canid type, which circulates in domestic dogs and other canids, and the viverrid type, which circulates in mongooses. Rabies in dogs is a preventable disease.
RABIES IN SOUTH AFRICA
Rabies is more common in domestic dogs in KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga, the Free State and Limpopo, and human rabies has therefore been reported predominantly from these provinces. Over the past decade, an average of 13 human cases have been reported in South Africa each year.
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Why wetlands are vital for humans and nature: Part 1
Wetlands vary greatly in type, yet all are indispensable for purifying water and controlling its flow. They include mountain springs, midland marshes, flood plains, coastal lakes, mangrove swamps and estuaries.
‘COVID-19 deaths help drive up goat sales'
Communal goat farmers in South Africa can set their own prices due to a shortage of the animals brought about by COVID- 19-related deaths, according to Gugu Mbata, project manager of the Mdukatshani Rural Develpment Project.
SA breeder's new cultivar sparks fresh love for passion fruit
Mpumalanga-based granadilla breeder Darryn Stoltz has developed a delicious new passion fruit cultivar that offers several advantages over previous varieties. One of these is longer shelf life, enabling the export of better-quality fruit. He spoke to Lindi Botha.
The layperson's guide to ley farming
Over the past few years, monocropping has largely given way to the crop rotation system, and ley farming has gained popularity in grain-producing areas such as KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, the Free State and North West, where many farmers also produce livestock. Prof Chris Dannhauser spoke to Susan Marais about how the rotating of grain crops with planted pastures can be a highly useful practice.
The good and the bad of chimera
Chimera can be mistaken for a viral or bacterial infection, but it is actually a genetic disorder that could benefit some producers.
Massey Ferguson launches new tractor for orchards
With interest in the production of orchard crops on the rise, Massey Ferguson has launched the MF 3300 narrow-width tractor series in SA.
John Deere self-driving tractor is ready for commercial use
John Deere recently launched a fully autonomous tractor at the Consumer Technology Association’s show in Las Vegas, and it will be on sale in the US later this year.
Making it with medical cannabis
Thinking of producing medical cannabis? Glenneis Kriel spoke to industry pioneers about the opportunities and pitfalls for growers of this crop.
Indigenous veld goats: the ideal option for extreme conditions
Changing weather conditions and Africa’s severe poverty demand tough, easy-to-care-for livestock. The answer, says breeder Deon Vlok, is indigenous veld goats. Annelie Coleman reports.
Combating the effects of soil pollution
Soil pollution is a serious challenge worldwide, resulting in environmental damage and potential health hazards to people and animals. This report examines affordable ways in which farmers can limit its effects on their crops and reduce further soil degradation.
Expert Advice For Treating Animal Bites
Expert advice for treating animal bites
Traveling With Pets
Pet’s carrier
Traveling With Pets
Get up-to-date vet records and keep them in a folder on your person; you may be asked to produce these at any time (the rabies vaccination record is an absolute must).
HE'S ON FIRE!
An unemployed Limpopo man’s clever idea to turn old geysers into braai stands has paid off big-time
THE WHEEL DEAL
He’s a whizz at making furniture out of old tyres
Vaalwater Hotel, Limpopo
Vaalwater’s “drab”name is misleading– the past decade or so has seen itstep into its role as headquarters of theWaterberg with aplomb.
Relax and RESTORE
A HOLIDAY HOME IN TROPICAL PARADISE
Rebuilding from the unrest
South Africa is exposed to an enormous economic security risk by concentrating most of its trade in KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape offers an opportunity to deconcentrate trade.
AT LAST, JUSTICE FOR OUR BOY
The Komape family have won in court –but it will never bring back their son who died after falling into a pit toilet
Birding MBOMBELA
The heart of the Lowveld