World Rabies Day is commemorated annually on 28 September and this fatal viral disease affects all mammals and is transmissible from animals to humans. The virus is transmitted in the saliva of infected animals through bites, scratches, and licks.
COURTESY: Cape of Good Hope SPCAIn the first eight months of 2024, there have been 185 laboratory confirmed animal rabies cases in South Africa. According to the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, there were seven human rabies fatalities in 2024 (up until 2 September)
‘’Three human deaths occurred in KwaZulu-Natal, three in Eastern Cape and one in Limpopo. Although rabies is an unfortunate reality, it is fully preventable. Dog mediated rabies in humans is fully preventable, and for this reason the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), have committed to eradicating dog mediated human cases by 2030. South Africa only has six years left to achieve this goal, and it is indeed achievable if we all take the responsibility to have our pets vaccinated,’’ said the department in a statement.
The rabies virus is now considered endemic in the Cape Fur Seal population. A total of 24 confirmed cases of rabies have been recorded in Cape Fur Seals, since May 2024. Another 14 additional positive retrospective brain samples, going back to August 2022, have been confirmed as well.
Beachgoers and recreational users are advised
to be vigilant and take appropriate care.
COURTESY: Cape of Good Hope SPCAThe theme for 2024 is "Breaking Rabies Boundaries", which highlights the need for cross-sectoral and cross-border collaborations, bringing together governments, health organizations, veterinary services, and communities. In addition, there is a double meaning in the theme in that rabies itself does not recognize borders or boundaries and so it is a transboundary disease.
‘’With rabies now endemic in the Cape Fur Seal
population, beachgoers should exercise caution. The public is strongly advised
to avoid close contact with seals and are also reminded that it is illegal to
approach or harass any coastal wildlife, including seals. If you witness a seal
displaying unusual or aggressive behaviour, report it to the relevant
authorities,’’ said Belinda Abraham, Cape of Good Hope SPCA’s spokesperson.
PICTURE: WHO
Abrahams
encouraged pet owners to visit its mobile clinic stationed at a beach in
Muizenberg on Saturday for a free vaccination.
‘’In support of World Rabies Day, and with the
full support of the City of Cape Town, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA’s mobile
clinic will be stationed at Sunrise Beach, Muizenberg on Saturday, 28th
September 2024 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, offering free rabies vaccinations for
the pets of owners who visit the SPCA mobile clinic with their pets. These
vaccinations are vital in preventing the spread of rabies in communities. For
those who cannot attend, vaccinations are also available daily at our onsite
hospital in Grassy Park and at our mobile clinics, that travel to communities
throughout Cape Town. For a full schedule, visit Mobile Clinic Schedule.’’
40% of #rabies victims are children under 15.
— World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific (@WHOWPRO) September 28, 2024
Learn about dogs and their behaviour to prevent bites 👉https://t.co/7FJneaU3sL
No bites = no rabies. #WorldRabiesDay pic.twitter.com/xy9QtLYnIr
Done by: Mitchum George
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