Today is World Rabies Day and agricultural departments across the country have added their voices on the importance of vaccinating animals throughout the year to ensure animals remain safe.
Northern Cape agricultural spokesperson MacDonald Silingile said the department had started with vaccinations in the previous weeks.
Silingile said the department focused on the John Taolo Gaetsewe district where over 40 owners came out to vaccinate their dogs and cats, while a total number of 381 cattle were vaccinated.
Vaccinations on a roll
Meanwhile, the North West department of agriculture said they have been on a rigorous and intensive rabies public awareness and vaccination campaign across all four districts.
According to the department, owners have been urged to make efforts to ensure that their animals are vaccinated.
This year’s commemoration will be observed under the theme “All for one; One health for all” which puts emphasis on the importance of equality and strengthening overall health systems.
Rabies is a preventable zoonotic viral disease, which is found in domestic and wild animals, and occasionally in humans. It is transmitted from animals to humans/animals through bites by infected animals.
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What you need to know
Dr Langa Madyibi, the director responsible for veterinary services in North West, said the only way to prevent rabies is through vaccination.
“Pets should be vaccinated at three months of age and have their first booster between one and nine months. Thereafter they must get the booster vaccinations every three years, as required by the Animal Disease Act,” Madyibi explained.
The department said the following areas have been identified as key vaccination areas: Lotlhakane, Setlopo (East and West), Dithakong (East and West), Majemantso, Mosiane View, Dithwaneng, Danville, Golf View, Riviera Park, and Libertas.
Meanwhile, the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) added that animal rabies occurs in all nine provinces, highlighting the importance of vaccinating dogs and cats against rabies in all regions.
“Canine rabies cycles are predominantly focused in the eastern parts of the country – Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape provinces and the eastern Free State border with Lesotho,” SAVC said in a statement.
Keep stray animals at bay
Farmers are advised to refrain from allowing unfamiliar animals onto their farms or in their homes, and instead, report stray animals to local welfare authorities.
“Remember that rabies may occur anywhere in South Africa and therefore it is strongly advised to exercise caution when handling unfamiliar animals.
“In both animals and humans, the disease affects the brain and once clinical signs become visible, there is no curative treatment, and it is 100% fatal. Therefore, if exposure to a potentially rabid animal occurs, ensure thorough washing of the wound with soap and running water and immediately seek preventative treatment at your nearest healthcare facility. Doing this can save your life,” SAVC added.
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