World Rabies Day was recently celebrated, with the focus on combating one of the deadliest zoonotic diseases affecting both humans and animals alike.
Rabies is a viral disease that can infect any mammal, and once symptoms appear, it is almost always fatal. It is crucial to be aware of the common signs of rabies, which include changes in behaviour and neurological symptoms. These may manifest as excessive salivation, paralysis, inability to swallow, continuous vocalisation, convulsions, aggressiveness or non-responsive behaviour.
Did you know that rabies occurs in all South African provinces? Legally, every pet owner must have their dogs and cats vaccinated to protect both humans and animals against rabies. The first rabies vaccine is given at 12 weeks (three months) of age, followed by a booster vaccination between one and 12 months later. A booster is then required every three years. In high-risk areas annual vaccination is strongly advised.
Enquire with your local state or private veterinarian, animal health technician or welfare organisation.
Remember that any mammal can become infected with rabies – this includes pets, wildlife, livestock, and humans. Wildlife species that can also host rabies include jackals, foxes, mongooses, and recently, seals. Animal rabies occurs in all nine provinces, with dog rabies cycles mainly concentrated in the eastern parts of the country (Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape provinces, and the eastern Free State border with Lesotho). Dogs and cats are often moved between provinces by travellers, workers, or holiday-goers, which can easily cause a spillover of rabies to any area if these animals are unvaccinated and incubating the disease.
If your dogs and cats are vaccinated against rabies, they form a protective barrier for your family and protect you. The same is true if everyone in your community ensures that their dogs and cats are vaccinated.
Rabies is a deadly disease with no cure once symptoms appear. It can be transmitted to people by an infected animal’s bite, scratch, or lick. If a person is bitten, scratched or licked by an animal suspected to have rabies (an unvaccinated animal showing odd behaviour or neurological symptoms), the person needs to wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water and seek medical attention immediately. Post-exposure prophylaxis treatment will involve a series of rabies vaccinations and rabies immunoglobulin being injected into the wound (if the skin has been broken).
While rabies is 99,9% fatal once a person or animal shows clinical signs, it is also 100% preventable.
Through awareness, education and action, we can move closer to a rabies-free world. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and ensure your pets are vaccinated, because together we can break boundaries and end rabies.
“Rabies is a preventable tragedy that we have the power to stop,” said Dr. Paul van der Merwe, South African Veterinary Association (SAVA). “By ensuring our pets are vaccinated and spreading awareness within our communities, we can break the boundaries that allow this deadly virus to persist. World Rabies Day 2024 is a reminder that our collective action can save countless lives, human and animal.”
