Reports disclosed on
World Rabies Day, 28 September, indicate that this fatal disease is knocking on
Australia’s doorstep, presenting serious ecological, public health, economic
and social problems to the country.
After recent events in
Sydney one wonders whether disease is already present in Sydney.
Prominent academics
and health experts were alarmed by images of a Bulldog frothing at the mouth
and gnawing at the ear of a high profile Australian footballer last Sunday. This was followed by news that a pack of wild
Bulldogs were menacing the local community in the Canterbury / Bankstown area
on Monday.
The Bulldogs were
allegedly extremely aggressive, particularly to humans, viciously barking at
females. They were also ‘marking their territory’ by urinating wherever they
walked.
Spread mainly through
biting, the disease infects the central nervous system and causes inflammation
to the brain, a symptom obviously affecting these Bulldogs.
Academics believe that
all it would take is one Bulldog, perhaps from the United Kingdom where rabies
is still rampant, to bite other Bulldogs in his pack, thereby transmitting the
terrible disease.
Whilst there have been
calls for the new NRL Independent Commission to eradicate the problem, perhaps
a visit to the local veterinary hospital for a quiet slumber would be more appropriate.
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