‘One health, zero deaths’ this World Rabies Day
Local animal owners urged to vaccinate their pets
WITH the increasing number of rabies-related deaths, communities are encouraged to vaccinate their pets and protect their loved ones.
This World Rabies Day (28 September), South Africa will join the global awareness drive under the One Health, Zero Deaths theme.
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The Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) is looking to eliminate human rabies deaths through vaccinations by 2030.
“The concept of ‘zero deaths’ relates to the well-known fact that most human rabies deaths are caused by exposure to rabid dogs, and that transmission can be prevented through vaccination, and treating humans immediately after being exposed to a suspected rabid animal.
“Through a co-ordinated approach, the global target has been set as ‘Zero by 30 – a global strategic plan to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies deaths by 2030,” said GARC.
Rabies fast facts
• Rabies is transmissible through saliva contact, scratches or bites from animals to humans
• Victims are urged to wash the bite or scratch with soap and running water for at least 10 minutes before immediately seeking medical attention
• Rabies affects the brain and is fatal once a person or animal shows clinical signs
• Animals infected by rabies exhibit changes in behaviour and neurological symptoms, including salivation, paralysis, inability to swallow, aggression or non-response
• Bite victims can still receive immunoglobulin up to seven days after initial treatment, although it should be administered immediately.
Pet owners are reminded that domesticated dogs can still be infected with the disease and are urged to vaccinate their pets.
The first rabies vaccine is given when the animal is 12 weeks (three months), with a booster vaccination between one and 12 months later.
Thereafter, a booster is required every three years or annually in high-risk areas like South Africa.
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