Rabies ends here says Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

Since the beginning of the year, the number of confirmed rabies cases are 33 in animals. The department is saddened to report that one human fatality has been reported in KwaZulu-Natal (a 10-year-old boy). Both entities would like to assure members of the public that although rabies is an unfortunate reality, it can be prevented.

Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects all mammals and is transmissible from animals to humans. The virus is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals through licks, scratches and bites.

Dog-mediated rabies in humans is fully preventable and this is why the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) have committed to eradicating dog-mediated human cases by 2030. Only nine years is left to achieve this goal, and it is indeed achievable if people all take the responsibility to have their pets vaccinated.

“A person dying of rabies is an unnecessary death,” said Dr Nomsa Mnisi, vice-president of the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC). “The disease is preventable purely by vaccinating animals. We, therefore, should not be seeing people, especially the most vulnerable like children, dying.”

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This statement was published on September 28 for Word Rabies Day. “It is the responsibility of each pet owner, in terms of the Animal Diseases Act, to ensure their pets are vaccinated against rabies.

By doing this, you will not only be protecting your beloved animals, but you will also be playing your part in the bigger picture”: protecting the lives of fellow human beings, especially children,” said Dr Mpho Maja.

DALRRD and SAVC wish to urge all dog and cat owners to please take their pets for vaccination. Rabies occurs in domestic and wild animals across South Africa, DALRRD and SAVC encourage communities not to touch or pick up unknown or stray animals, especially dogs and cats.

Report any rabies symptoms in animals immediately to your nearest State Veterinary Office and notify them of any possible human contact with suspect rabid animals. Humans who have had contact (lick, scratch, bite) with a suspect rabid animal must wash the wound well with soap under running water and immediately seek medical assistance to receive preventative treatment.

This is of utmost importance because post-exposure treatment must start immediately to prevent infection from rabies. This year, in September, there will be a commemoration of the 15th World Rabies Day.

All South Africans are urged to be part of the global community and join in the global fight against rabies. Have your pets vaccinated against rabies, and use a SAVC registered professional to ensure best practice animal health care of your animals. Veterinary Services can be relied upon to provide valuable information and quality vaccines.

Don’t hesitate, vaccinate. The DALRRD, in collaboration with SAVC, appeals to all dog and cat owners to ensure their animals are vaccinated against rabies. #RabiesEndsHere

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