World Rabies Day: Rabies can be prevented in humans and animals

Durban — One hundred and eighty-five laboratory-confirmed animal rabies cases have been reported in South Africa between the start of the year and August 31.

Additionally, seven laboratory-confirmed human rabies deaths have been reported for 2024, up to September 2.

This was according to the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) in celebration of World Rabies Day on Saturday, September 28, with an ongoing awareness campaign on how the deadly rabies virus can be prevented in humans and animals.

DALRRD alerted the public on the risks associated with rabies, a fatal viral disease that affects all mammals and is transmissible from animals to humans. The virus is transmitted in infected animals’ saliva through bites, scratches and licks.

“Between the start of the year and August 31, there have been 185 laboratory-confirmed animal rabies cases in the country. DALRRD is saddened to report that seven human rabies fatalities (laboratory-confirmed) have been reported for 2024, up to September 2,” the DALRRD said in a statement.

“Three human deaths occurred in KwaZulu-Natal, three in Eastern Cape and one in Limpopo.”

The department said dog-mediated rabies in humans is 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,” the DALRRD said.

Looking at breaking boundaries when it comes to rabies, the department said World Rabies Day 2024 is celebrated under the theme “Breaking Boundaries”, to combat one of the deadliest zoonotic diseases affecting humans and animals alike.

The department explained that rabies is a viral disease that can infect any mammal and once symptoms appear, it is 99.9% fatal. It is imperative to be aware of the common signs of rabies, including behavioural changes and neurological symptoms.

“Animals infected with rabies show changes in behaviour and neurological symptoms. These may include an animal drooling more than usual, becoming paralysed, unable to swallow, continuously vocalising (barking, whining, howling, etc.), and becoming aggressive. Additionally, an animal may just appear weak and unresponsive,” the DALRRD said.

On pet vaccination and saving lives, the department said rabies is endemic in South Africa.

According to the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act No. 35 of 1984), 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. Thereafter, a booster is 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.”

The department reiterated that any mammal can be infected with rabies, including pets, wildlife, livestock, and humans. Wildlife species that can also host rabies include jackals, foxes, mongooses, and as recently discovered, seals.

It went on to explain that 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, and the eastern Free State border with Lesotho. Dogs and cats are often moved between provinces by travellers, workers, or holidaygoers, which can easily cause the spread of rabies to any area if these animals are unvaccinated and incubating the disease.

“Do not handle or travel with dogs and cats that are not adequately vaccinated against rabies,” the DALRRD said.

“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. If your vaccinated dog or cat is bitten by a rabid animal, it will not get the disease and cannot pass it on to you.”

The department advised that if a person is bitten, scratched, or licked by an animal suspected of having rabies, an unvaccinated animal showing odd behaviour or neurological symptoms, the person needs to wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water and immediately seek treatment at his/her nearest clinic or hospital to prevent rabies virus infection.

The patient might have to return to the clinic several times for treatment. Failure to return for follow-up treatment can cause the treatment not being effective and death may result. Inform the local state or private veterinarian, animal health technician or even the local police so that they may find and remove the rabid animal before it hurts anyone else.

“This World Rabies Day let us talk about the importance of responsible pet ownership, vaccination of dogs and cats, and keeping our communities safe against rabies. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and ensure your pets are vaccinated – because together, we can break boundaries and end rabies,” the DALRRD said.

Earlier this month, Boehringer Ingelheim, a leader in animal health, said it is stepping up its efforts to combat rabies in the country.

It said that in response to the worst outbreak of rabies in the history of South Africa, it has embarked on enhanced vaccination strategies and has expanded its partnerships to protect both human and animal lives.

Boehringer Ingelheim said rabies remains a health concern in South Africa. Regions like KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo are some of the hotspots for rabies in the country.

“Rabies is almost always fatal in humans, but its prevention is remarkably simple through dog vaccinations and preventing bites,” said Boehringer Ingelheim animal health South Africa head Jaisheila Keshav.

“In high-risk areas, it is now recommended that animals be vaccinated annually. This will mitigate the increased environmental risks and challenges associated with rabies transmission.”

Last year, the animal health team, in collaboration with the Sustainable Development teams and the South African Veterinary Association Community Veterinary Clinics (SAVA-CVC), launched a massive rabies vaccination campaign in Gqeberha. This area was identified as having the highest incidence of both animal and human rabies cases in the country. The campaign set a goal of vaccinating 16 000 dogs. However, within eight months, nearly 18 000 dogs were vaccinated.

Dr Michelle Enslin, regional product manager, Pets, India, Middle East, Turkey, and Africa at Boehringer Ingelheim, highlighted the campaign’s success and the importance of ongoing efforts.

“The Gqeberha vaccination campaign shows what can be achieved when committed organisations combine resources, expertise, and community engagement. Of course, there is an ongoing war against rabies. Even though South African research shows an overall decline in rabies-suspected cases, we must all remain vigilant and maintain vaccination efforts to ensure rabies is eradicated.”

Additionally, Boehringer Ingelheim expanded on its rabies surveillance programmes. These are designed to track vaccination rates more effectively and ensure that efforts to control and eliminate rabies are data-driven and strategically targeted. In going with this data-led approach, the company is aiding in ongoing surveillance while also identifying the areas where more intensive vaccination efforts are required.

The animal health leader has a broader, patient-centric philosophy. This is rooted in collaboration and innovation to address complex health-care challenges through strategic partnerships. By working closely with local communities, veterinary clinics, and global organisations such as the Global Alliance for Rabies Control, the company ensures that its efforts are sustainable and impactful.

“Our goal is to create a long-term environment where rabies is eliminated. This is vital not only for today’s but for future generations as well,” Keshav added.

“Through our ongoing efforts and partnerships, we are confident we can play a key role in improving the lives of humans and animals, for generations to come.”

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