Pets and livestock have become a great part of people’s lives, with the black community slowly treating and regarding them as family members rather than just animals.

It is therefore, critical for farmers and pet owners in rural areas to be aware of the importance of proper preventative veterinary care to ensure optimal animal health, advises the South African Veterinary Council vice president and veterinarian, Dr Nomsa Mnisi.

According to Mnisi, animal healthcare is often treated as a service for the rich.

ALSO READ: Statues aren’t ours, says department

“But it is not, it is for everyone. It is a basic need, like water and electricity. As veterinary professionals, we need to take the lead and create awareness of the importance of animal health and then head out into communities with the same message,” said Mnisi.

She believes that animal health is closely connected to human and environmental health.

“If such issues (primary healthcare) are not adequately addressed through awareness and educational campaigns, outbreaks of animal disease could ultimately pose a threat to food production and security, as well as public health,” she continued.

Issues mainly faced by pet owners and farmers in rural areas are the distance to veterinary services and affordability when there is an emergency.

Mnisi said an obvious solution would be educating rural farmers and pet owners about the importance of healthcare. She advised that there are many healthcare tips that pet and livestock owners can follow to ensure optimal animal health. Vaccination is one of the important affordable ways to have for pets and livestock.

ALSO READ: Young model on his way to the Big Apple in June

She said vaccinations against diseases such as brucellosis and anthrax, which are offered by state veterinary services for free in most instances, and vaccinating dogs and cats against rabies are optimal.

“The best low-budget way to follow on animal health issues is prevention. The owners need to vaccinate their animals and exercise other preventative measures like proper nutrition, housing, basically good animal husbandry. They need to treat their animals like their children, vaccinations at six weeks of age, look out for any abnormalities and attend to such immediately before it such can cost a lot or even cost the life of the animal,” Mnisi explained.

“It will avoid your animals from eating anything they come across, which might be harmful. Not only will your animals be safe from diseases, but they will look good, which is good for your emotional health,” the doctor said. Lastly, Mnisi advised animal owners to get a pet insurance of their choice because it may help in emergency situations.