12 Aug 2013

The Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Mr Oreeditse Molebatsi has told Parliament that he is aware of a case of dogs’ deaths at Sorilatholo in the Letlhakeng Sub-district.

He said the veterinary officer had diagnosed the disease as canine distemper on clinical signs. He indicated that distemper was a highly contagious and viral infection of dogs adding that the most common clinical signs are neurological and respiratory signs.

The assistant minister indicated that the disease was unfortunately highly fatal but fortunately it did not affect humans. Mr Molebatsi said it was also easily prevented by vaccination and the control of dog population and their movement.

During the subsequent kgotla meetings at Sorilatholo, the veterinary officials educated farmers on the disease, especially how it could be controlled, he said. The assistant minister said the ministry would continue to urge dog keepers and owners to ensure that their dogs were up to date on vaccinations.

Dog keepers and owners were also advised to confine their dogs to control the infection. He said farmers were requested to report any cases of animals showing neurological signs to the nearest Department of Veterinary Services offices.

MP for Letlhakeng West Ngaka Ngaka had asked the minister if he was aware that there was a disease outbreak that killed dogs at Sorilatholo village and what steps had the ministry taken to diagnose the disease. Mr Ngaka had also asked whether the disease could be transmitted to humans and whether the residents were educated or warned of it. Ends