World Rabies Day targets elimination through global and local partnerships

South African and global partners are lining up behind World Rabies Day on September 28 under the theme: Stronger together.

The National Rabies Advisory Group says elimination depends on communities, pet owners, veterinary teams, health workers, government and international partners working together. A national social media campaign will run in September.

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Rabies can pass to people through a bite, scratch or lick from an infected animal. Once clinical signs appear it is 99.9% fatal, but it is preventable if dogs and cats are vaccinated and exposed people get prompt treatment.

If an animal behaving strangely bites, scratches or licks someone, wash the wound with soap and running water for at least 10 minutes and seek medical help immediately. Treatment may include a course of rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin injected into the wound.

The law requires every pet owner to vaccinate dogs and cats. The first jab is at 12 weeks, with a booster a month later or within 12 months. After that, a booster is required every three years. In high-risk areas, annual vaccination is strongly advised.

Only registered South African vaccines administered by a registered veterinary professional should be used. Vaccinated pets also protect families and neighbours.

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Any mammal can get rabies, including livestock, wildlife such as jackals, foxes, mongooses, the aardwolf and Cape fur seals, and people. Moving unvaccinated dogs and cats between provinces can spread the disease.

For help, contact a state or private veterinarian, an animal health technician or a welfare group. State veterinary contacts and registered facilities are available online through the department of agriculture and the South African Veterinary Council.

Registered facilities are listed at https://savc.org.za/wp content/uploads/2026/07/FacilityRegisterPublish_July-2026.pdf.

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