Some of the pets that were vaccinated.
September 28th is marked annually as World Rabies Day, a crucial moment dedicated to raising awareness about this ancient, deadly, yet entirely preventable disease.
It’s a day to strengthen our collective commitment toward the ambitious and attainable goal of ending human deaths from rabies.
For 2025, the global theme is “Act Now: You, Me, Community” a powerful call to action that reminds us that while rabies is 100% preventable, it tragically continues to claim thousands of lives every year.
The disease disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, with most fatalities occurring in Africa and Asia. Heartbreakingly, many of these preventable deaths are among children.
The MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs, Khethiwe Moeketsi, has issued an urgent appeal.
She calls upon all pet owners to join the global community by getting their dogs and cats vaccinated against rabies. This simple act is the single most effective way to create a protective barrier for both animals and humans against this fatal virus.
“Rabies has no cure, but it is 100% preventable through vaccinating our pets and seeking urgent medical care in case of any bite from a dog, or scratch from a cat. As government, we are committed to ending rabies by strengthening vaccination campaigns and raising community awareness. But success depends on all of us. Let us all get our dogs and cats vaccinated but also report any suspected rabies cases,” ” said MEC Moeketsi. “
She added that rabies is a viral disease transmitted primarily through the bite of an infected animal, with dogs being the source for over 99% of human deaths.
The virus attacks the central nervous system, and once clinical symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal it truly has no cure.
This stark reality underscores why prevention through vaccination is our strongest weapon.
The strategy to eliminate human deaths from rabies is clear and relies on three key pillars of action:
1. Vaccinating Dogs and Cats: Mass vaccination of dogs breaks the cycle of transmission to humans. For cats, while a less common vector, vaccination provides another layer of community protection.
2. Seeking Immediate Treatment: Following an animal bite or a deep scratch, Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) a series of life-saving injections must be sought immediately. This rapid medical response is critical to preventing the virus from reaching the brain.
3. Community Education: Ensuring everyone, particularly children and those in high-risk areas, understands the importance of pet vaccination and the necessity of immediate wound care and medical attention after a bite.
The theme “Act Now: You, Me, Community” is a reminder that the eradication of rabies is a shared responsibility. By taking decisive action today getting a pet vaccinated, reporting a suspected case, or simply knowing what to do in case of a bite we move closer to a world where no one dies from this brutal but preventable disease.
Let’s make this World Rabies Day a turning point for our communities.
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