On World Rabies Day, September 28, global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS has urged South Africans to adopt a one health approach to help eliminate rabies. The disease is fatal yet 100% preventable and attacks the central nervous system of mammals, including humans. This year's theme, "Stronger Together", highlights collaboration between communities, veterinarians, healthcare professionals, government, and animal welfare organisations to achieve zero human dog-mediated rabies deaths by 2030.
According to FOUR PAWS, rabies remains endemic in parts of South Africa, with domestic dogs responsible for most human exposures and infections. Effective disease prevention requires collaboration between animal health, public health, and environmental stakeholders. The organisation emphasises that protecting animals through vaccination and sterilisation protects people and contributes to healthier, safer communities.
Director of FOUR PAWS South Africa, Fiona Miles, stresses that human health and animal welfare are interconnected. Recent surveillance data show that most human rabies infections in South Africa are linked to infected dogs, highlighting the importance of routine pet vaccinations, responsible pet ownership, sterilisation, and community awareness. Children are among the most vulnerable groups affected by rabies exposure.
The Department of Agriculture reported that as of August 26, South Africa recorded 15 human rabies deaths since the beginning of 2026. While rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, it is completely preventable through timely vaccination of dogs and cats, public education, and immediate medical intervention following potential exposure.
FOUR PAWS encourages South Africans to ensure their pets' vaccinations are up to date, support local vaccination and sterilisation campaigns, and help spread awareness about preventing rabies. The organisation reminds the public that any bite or scratch from a potentially infected animal should be treated as a medical emergency, with immediate first aid involving thorough wound washing and urgent medical care.
To eliminate rabies, FOUR PAWS believes that success will depend on a collective commitment from pet owners, community leaders, healthcare workers, veterinary professionals, and government authorities. The organisation is calling on all South Africans to remember that protecting animals means protecting people and that ending rabies requires everyone to work stronger together.
South Africans can take action by ensuring dogs and cats are vaccinated against rabies, supporting local vaccination and sterilisation campaigns, reporting suspected rabies cases, teaching children safe animal interaction, seeking immediate medical attention following an animal bite or scratch, and sharing accurate rabies prevention information within communities.
Key points
- 15 human rabies deaths recorded in South Africa this year.
- Collaboration between sectors crucial to achieving zero human dog-mediated rabies deaths by 2030.
- Protecting animals through vaccination and sterilisation protects people and contributes to healthier, safer communities.
