The National SPCA Council (NSPCA) is warning of a spike in rabies-related cases in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Inspector at the NSPCA, Marianne Wentzel says the outbreak is rife in the Kariaga and Despatch areas.
She says despite their public awareness campaign, cases are still on the rise.
Wentzel says the animals being reported to them are increasing and several children are being bitten.
She says the problem is that the clinics are unaware that the patients need to be treated for rabies and therefore need a tetanus shot.
The Nelson Mandela Municipality announced the rabies outbreak in September last year and says they are continuing with their vaccination drive to combat the outbreak.
Spokesperson, Mamela Ndamase says they've partnered up with Agrarian Reform Department and Veterinary Services.
She says the Dog Unit is currently patrolling across the Metro looking for stray dogs to be impounded and taken to the Municipal Pound.
Several children have died since the rabies outbreak last year.
Rabies occurs in domestic animals but usually originates from wild animals. It is the contact between the domestic and wild animals that result in the spread of the infection to domestic animals and subsequently to humans.
Rabies is a viral disease that is caused by a virus called Rhabdovirus.
Community members with unvaccinated pets are urged to bring the animals for vaccination.
For a local rabies update, residents can contact the NMBM Dog Control Unit on 041 506 1743 or 066 077 173 during office hours.
