Mpumalanga MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs Ms Busi Shiba is encouraging owners of cats and dogs to get them vaccinated against Rabies at their nearest State Vet Offices. This, as South Africa will be celebrating the 17th World Rabies Day on 28th September 2023 under the theme: “Rabies: All for 1 - One Health for All”, which extends from the 2022 campaign that similarly focused on the One Health concept.
This year’s focus however, takes a stride forward by emphasising collaboration, equality and the enhancement of the health systems. “Our message urges all South African’s to play their part, stay informed about rabies, and raise awareness within their sphere of influence. In both animals and humans, the disease affects the brain and once clinical signs become visible, there is no curative treatment, and it is 100% fatal. Therefore, if you get bitten by a dog or scratched by a cat, please ensure thorough washing of the wound with soap and running water and immediately seek preventative treatment at your nearest healthcare facility, to save a life. It is therefore compulsory, in accordance with the law, for all dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies”, said MEC Shiba.
Rabies is a zoonotic disease, which means that people can get it through the saliva of an infected animal mainly through bites, scratches or licks an infected animal. The disease affects the brain and is fatal once a person or animal shows clinical signs. Animals infected by rabies show changes in behaviour and neurological symptoms. They may salivate, become paralysed, are unable to swallow, continuously vocalise (barking, whining, howling etc.), and become aggressive. They might also exhibit weakness or unresponsiveness.
“As World Rabies Day approaches on September 28th , let us stand together in the global fight against this disease, embracing the "All For 1 - One Health For All" approach. Together, we can eliminate this preventable disease and create a healthier, safer world for all”, concluded MEC Shiba