Cape Town, 20 September 2024 – On World Rabies Day 28 September, FOUR PAWS South Africa is calling for increased awareness and action to combat the ongoing rabies crisis in the country. With South Africa reporting alarming numbers of rabies cases, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and Limpopo, the organisation stresses the importance of responsible pet ownership, vaccination, and public education as critical tools to prevent the spread of this deadly disease.

Rabies is a preventable viral disease most commonly transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal, primarily dogs. According to the Global Alliance for Rabies Control, more than 59,000 people die from rabies every year globally, with Africa accounting for a significant proportion of these deaths. The situation in South Africa is particularly dire, with recent statistics indicating a rise in rabies-related fatalities, especially among vulnerable populations in rural areas.

"Rabies is a completely preventable disease, yet it continues to claim lives in South Africa due to a lack of awareness and insufficient vaccination coverage," says Fiona Miles, Director of FOUR PAWS South Africa. "Our #LiveKinder campaign emphasises the importance of responsible pet ownership, which includes vaccinating pets against rabies, as well as advocating for policies that protect both animals and humans."

FOUR PAWS South Africa is urging the government, veterinary professionals, and the public to prioritise rabies vaccination programs. The  organisation supports the World Health Organization's goal of achieving zero human rabies deaths by 2030 and calls for collaborative efforts to reach this target.

The key to combating rabies lies in widespread vaccination of dogs, which are responsible for the vast majority of human rabies cases. FOUR PAWS returns to Khayelitsha to work alongside Mdzananda Animal Clinic to support a vital rabies vaccination initiative. Over the course of a month, Mdzananda will administer a rabies vaccine and the 5-in-1 plus leptospirosis vaccine to 1,000 pets, aiming to safeguard both animal and human health. This initiative is crucial in the fight against preventable infectious diseases, with a special focus on rabies—a serious threat to both pets and their communities. The partnership will also educate pet owners about the importance of regular veterinary care. In addition, the organisation advocates for stronger enforcement of animal welfare laws to ensure that pets are treated with the care and respect they deserve.

With the recent outbreak of rabies in Cape Town, it serves as stark reminder of the importance of keeping your pet vaccinations up to date, sadly a costly endeavour for many people. That is why we partnered with Mdzananda Animal Clinic to help provide 1000 additional 5-in-1 plus leptospirosis vaccinations to support the rabies vaccinations from the Western Cape State Veterinarian to serve a community in need. As part of World Rabies Day, FOUR PAWS South Africa encourages everyone to learn more about rabies prevention and to take action by ensuring their pets are vaccinated. "By protecting our pets, we are protecting ourselves and our communities," adds Miles.

For more information on how you can get involved in rabies prevention efforts, visit the Global Alliance for Rabies Control or FOUR PAWS South Africa's #LiveKinder page.

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