The 18th World Rabies Day (28 September) was observed on the theme “Breaking Rabies Boundaries”, highlighting that One Health is not for a select few but everyone.
World Rabies Day is also the commencement of the second Annual Provincial Veterinary Week (ending 5 October), which includes multiple veterinary-focused events and initiatives.
Dr Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, and a team of veterinarians were at the Kylemore Clinic last Saturday, when locals brought their pets to receive a rabies shot.
According to Dr Ilse Trautman, Deputy Director-General of Agricultural Research and Regulatory Services, including Veterinary Services, this year’s theme highlights the need for progress and moving beyond the status quo. “Rabies control programmes offer a great example of operationalising One Health,” she said, “building the structures and trust crucial to establishing systems for other zoonotic diseases. The theme calls for innovative strategies and collaboration across various sectors and regions, highlighting the importance of integrating human, animal and environmental health efforts.
“We can overcome geographic, socio-economic and educational barriers by breaking boundaries and ensuring widespread vaccination, awareness and access to medical care.”
Rabies affects the central nervous system, the brain and spinal cord, and without appropriate medical care, rabies causes brain disease and death. Once symptoms of rabies appear, the disease is nearly always fatal. Preventing animal bites and receiving prompt medical care is especially important Western Cape Head of Veterinary Services, Dr Gininda Msiza, explained.
The rabies virus is transmitted through direct contact, such as broken skin or mucous membranes, with saliva or brain/nervous system tissue. People usually get rabies from the bite of a rabid animal.
Over the past three years the department has vaccinated more than 400 000 cats and dogs thanks to its outreach engagements.
Meyer said: “Awareness of rabies disease engages communities and empowers people to save themselves by seeking the care they need. This includes understanding how to prevent rabies in animals, when to suspect rabies and what to do in case of a bite.
“We must foster a world where this disease no longer threatens humans and animals.”
