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The Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) urges anyone who may have been bitten by a donkey in Nqanqarhu (formerly Maclear) to come forward and get a Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis shot.
An alert for residents living in the Elundini Local Municipality was issued after a donkey exhibiting signs of Rabies, including aggression and unusual behaviour, was reported to have bitten several individuals, including a child, on Wednesday.
The donkey was subsequently put down by members of the South African Police Services after DRDAR Veterinarians were unable to euthanize it due to its aggressive behaviour.
DRDAR State Veterinarian in Elundini, Dr Chanelle Kyle, said the animal suffered and posed a risk to the community.
She said animal samples were taken and sent to a laboratory for testing.
At least two people with bite wounds from the donkey went to the local clinic in town.
Dr Kyle said they have unconfirmed reports of others bitten by the same donkey who did not seek medical care.
A Rabies alert is therefore issued.
Dr Kyle said every effort is underway to locate these individuals so that they can get treated as soon as possible.
Residents must vaccinate their pets for Rabies and refrain from feeding wild animals.
