World Rabies Day is celebrated today, and highlights the importance of vaccinating pets against rabies.

“Rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can spread from animals to humans,” explained Dr Tarryn Dent, the business unit lead: Companion animals at Zoetis South Africa, a global animal health company.

“The virus affects the brain and nervous system, spreading through the saliva of infected animals via bites, scratches, or licks on broken skin.

“The issue is that once symptoms appear in either animals or humans, rabies is almost always fatal.

“This is a case where prevention is not only better than the cure but the only alternative because a cure does not exist.”

Although preventable through vaccination, rabies remains widespread in many parts of the world, including South Africa.

Any mammal can contract rabies

While primarily affecting dogs and cats, any mammal can contract and spread rabies, as seen in the recent outbreak among Cape fur seals in South Africa.

“The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development recently reported on the rabies outbreak in the Cape,” Dent said.

“Cape fur seals have shown increased aggression towards humans since 2021, and this is likely linked to the detection of rabies in the species, which is a first for southern Africa.”

Known for their social nature and extensive travel patterns, Cape fur seals’ outbreak underscores the unpredictable nature of the virus and its ability to cross species. Trials are underway to develop and test a vaccine for Cape fur seals. Little is known about the virus’s transmission to the marine environment and the effectiveness of existing rabies vaccines in Cape fur seals.

Vaccinate

“Rabies vaccines for dogs and cats are proven and effective, and vaccination remains the most effective tool against rabies. By vaccinating pets, we protect them and contribute to herd immunity, reducing the disease’s prevalence in animal populations and lowering the risk of human exposure.

“The long-term goal is to prevent the spread of the disease, especially if it is moving into new animal groups.”

As part of the global One Health community, South Africa aims to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies cases by 2030 through its National Strategy for the Elimination of Canine-Mediated Human Rabies.

The Department of Agriculture has emphasised, in light of the Cape fur seal outbreak, that all dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies, as mandated by the Animal Disease Act of 1984.

“One Health is an integrated approach that recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health,” Dent said.

“Rabies control in humans is directly tied to the control of the disease in animals.

“Dogs remain the leading cause of human rabies in South Africa due to our close association with them. Pet owners play a crucial role in rabies prevention by adhering to vaccination schedules.”

The Department of Agriculture recommends all puppies and kittens receive their first rabies vaccination at 12 weeks, with a booster between one and 12 months after the initial vaccination, followed by boosters every three years.

“Annual boosters are advised in high-risk areas. Zoetis encourages pet owners to consult their vet or state veterinarian regarding their pet’s vaccination schedule,” Dent said.