‘The main problem with rabies is by the time symptoms show, it’s a fatal disease’

If the Covid-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that humans are very much also part of the animal kingdom.

We are naturally connected, and Zoonotic illnesses such as monkeypox, rabies and the coronavirus disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 often travel from infected animal to human.

In the case of the Covid-19 pandemic, the zoonosis had humans around the world worried about themselves and their fur babies.

Science has shown that vaccination is the best weapon to fight some of these illnesses which can sometimes kill humans.

But, due to lack of awareness, resources or access, many people with exposure to livestock and/or domesticated animals are at risk of dying if these animals are not given the correct vaccination.

With World Rabies Day approaching on 28 September, Drum unpacks what you need to know about this zoonotic disease in order to protect you and your pets.

Rabies results in thousands of human deaths each year – and yet the owners of companion animals can protect themselves and their families. 

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“Rabies is estimated to cause 59 000 human deaths annually in over 150 countries, with 95% of cases occurring in Africa and Asia,” according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

“Due to underreporting and uncertain estimates, this number is likely a gross underestimate. 

“The burden of disease is disproportionally borne by rural poor populations, with approximately half of cases attributable to children under 15 years of age.

”One in four rabies deaths each year are children, according to Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC), which reports that these kids “tend to live in rural communities across Africa and Asia and do not have access to medication, which can be prohibitively expensive for poor and rural households”. Rabies is considered to be a health crisis in South Africa, which is why the vaccination of domestic dogs and cats is mandatory by law. However, it’s up to pet owners to ensure their pets are vaccinated." 

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Rabies is a serious viral illness that can affect any warm-blooded animal, including humans. It’s endemic in SA, which means aside from feral domestic cats and dogs, many other species are carriers too, including mongooses and meerkats. 

“Urbanisation means that we are increasingly seeing wild animals in suburbia,” says Dr Tarryn Dent, Business Unit Lead: Companion Animals at animal health company Zoetis SA.

“These animals enter gardens and that’s when pets are bitten. Keeping your animal in the yard is not enough.

“Assume the worst if an animal bites you or a loved one and get immediate treatment. Don’t wait to see if symptoms arise. Similarly, vaccinate your companion animals as it will protect them and your family. 

“The main problem with rabies is that by the time symptoms appear, it is a fatal disease for both humans and animals.”

The virus is present in high concentrations in the saliva of affected animals, which is why it is transmitted through infected bites – and why, when, an infected animal becomes violent – the virus wants to be spread.

The GARC’s goal is “Zero by 30” – which means zero deaths by 2030.

World Rabies Day focuses on educating the public, and particularly pet owners, about this fact and encouraging vaccinations. This year, it’s on 28 September.