Globally, 28 September has been declared as World Rabies Day, with the mission to raise awareness about the impact of human and animal rabies and the relative ease of its prevention. Despite rabies being preventable in humans through prompt medical treatment following exposure, more than 55 000 people die annually in the world due to rabies, most cases being in Africa and Asia.
The increased occurrence of rabies outbreaks in densely populated areas within South Africa has resulted in the country taking it a step further and declaring September 2011 as a rabies month within South Africa.
Rabies (hondsdolheid) is a fatal disease of animals that may also be fatal in humans if not treated immediately after exposure. All warm blooded animals can contract and then transmit rabies. The most common animal species within South Africa that can become infected with Rabies are pets (e.g. cats, dogs, horses), livestock (e.g. cattle, goats, sheep) and wild animals (e.g. mongooses, bat-eared foxes, black-backed jackals, bats).
Rabies is mainly transmitted to humans by the bite of a rabies infected animal (rabid animal), as the virus is found in the saliva of rabid animals. The clinical signs associated with rabies in animals may vary widely. The most common signs are behavioural changes, salivation with abnormal vocalisation, and incoordination. Behavioural changes in domestic animals presents as aggression, whereas in wild animals, they appear tame and loose their fear for humans.
Pet (cat and dog) owners are compelled by law (the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act No. 35 of 1984)) to vaccinate their pets against rabies. This is due to the fact that the only way that humans can protect themselves against rabies is by the vaccination of their pets.
According to the legislation, all pet owners must ensure that their dogs and cats are vaccinated at three months of age against rabies, with the first booster vaccination being given between one and nine months later, and thereafter booster vaccinations must be given every three years. Further to this, it is legally required to immediately report all suspect cases of rabies in animals to the nearest state veterinarian, animal health technician or private veterinarian.
If a person is bitten by a rabid dog, the person should present themselves to a local medical clinic as soon as possible, as immediate post exposure treatment is essential in preventing death due to the contraction of rabies.
The declaration of rabies month in South Africa comes amid the celebration of the World Veterinary Year (2011), as the global veterinary community celebrates 250 years of veterinary education and the contribution of the veterinary profession to mankind.
During oath taking, veterinarians declare that they will use their professional knowledge, skills and resources to protect and promote the health and welfare of animals and humans, and hence veterinarians play a vital role in both animal and human health with regards to rabies.
Further celebration within the veterinary profession is the hosting of the first World Veterinary Congress in Africa during the week of 10 to 14 October 2011 in Cape Town, South Africa.
Enquiries:
Steve Galane
Tel: 012 319 7960
Cell: 083 635 7346
E-mail: DAIS@daff.gov.za or stevegalane@mtn.blackberry.com
Rabies month
