Thousands of cats and dogs vaccinated against rabies in Mpumalanga

Thousands of pets were jabbed during a rabies vaccine drive that formed part of commemorating the provincial World Rabies Day on Thursday September 29 in Daggakraal near Volksrust, in the Dr Pixley ka-Isaka Seme Local Municipality.

Shiba joined her veterinary services team during a door-to-door visit in Daggakraal, encouraging pet owners to have their cats and dogs vaccinated against rabies free of charge. Hundreds of pets in the area were inoculated to boost their immune systems against the deadly disease.

Some dogs were sterilised or castrated, with the aim to control the population. Many cats and dogs have also been vaccinated since the beginning of Rabies Month. Pet owners are encouraged to have their pets vaccinated at their nearest state veterinarian, animal technician or private vet.

The campaign on the day was part of commemorating the annual World Rabies Day, held under the theme “Rabies – One health, zero deaths”. Addressing over 400 locals who braved the scorching heat and attended the occasion, Shiba said so far, Mpumalanga was winning the fight against rabies because of the absence of any reported cases. The vaccinations will further help to lessen any potential infections or outbreak of the disease on both animals and humans.

The rabies awareness campaign in Daggakraal, in the most southern part of Mpumalanga, came at a time when KwaZulu-Natal had reported a number of positive cases. Shiba said having the cat and dog population jabbed was the only option that will help avert any chances of infections that might spill from the neighbouring province.

She said buffer zones, like the municipalities that border other provinces or communities bordering the Kruger National Park, needed to be prioritised. She also encouraged anyone bitten or scratched by a dog or cat, to seek immediate medical attention.