The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development today unveiled a “five year canine rabies elimination project” which over the next five years, in collaboration with and partly sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will through active research, improved awareness and control methods, plans to eliminate canine rabies from KwaZulu-Natal thus eliminating human deaths from the disease. The launch was held at Qambokwethu in Umhlathuze Municipality today, 22 March 2011.
Rabies is endemic throughout South Africa and is responsible for 10 to 30 human deaths annually. It is a fatal disease caused by a virus which affects the nervous system of all mammals including man. The rabies virus is found in the saliva of infected animals. The virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, or through saliva contamination of the mucous membranes.
KwaZulu-Natal has historically been the worst affected province in SA, but through innovation has become a leader in the field of rabies control, and has effectively reduced the incidence of the disease by 63% in the last three years. Only three human cases were recorded in 2010 due to control measures, improved awareness and effective treatment through the Deparment of Health, however many cases go undiagnosed and all cases are preventable through basic knowledge of the disease and its dangers.
The launch was held under the theme “Vaccinate your dogs, rabies kills”.
The main objective is of the launch is to intensify vaccination programmes throughout the province in order to curb the disease and avoid any loss of life. The campaign has also received substantial cash injection to the tune of R20 million. The donation came from the Bill Gates Foundation in collaboration with the World Health Organisation.
The department will embark on a vaccination roadshow that will see teams reach even the far flung rural areas to vaccinate dogs. This will be coupled with a media campaign through the broadcast and print media to relay and elaborate on the theme but most importantly to get the nation to participate.
MEC Johnson warned thousands of people who came to witness the launch about the impact of rabies and importance of vaccination.
“It is by no accident that we meet here today in Uthungulu, as this has historically been the worst affected area in KZN. As we launch this project we implore the communities of KZN to support the mass vaccination programs across the province, so that together we can stop this terrible disease that should so easily be avoided” said Johnson.
She also emphasised on the following important aspects for our people:
- to avoid all contact with stray, unknown or sick animals
- to report animals that are acting strangely to local authorities or the SAPS.
- to get all your dogs and cats, whatever their age vaccinated
- advised that should anybody be bitten by an animal in KZN:
- he/she must wash the wound under the running water for five minutes
- put disinfectant on the wound
- seek immediate medical attention at a clinic or hospital.
The official launch was preceded by a vaccination programme in the morning with hundreds of dogs brought by the locals participating. Vaccination campaigns take place on an annual basis and all areas of KZN will be reached, with greater effectiveness through this collaborative project.
Enquiries:
Ncumisa Mafunda
Tel: 033 343 8063
Cell: 079 515 7187
