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South Africa joins the global community on 28 September to commemorate World Rabies Day under the theme, “Stronger together”. The theme emphasises that rabies elimination requires collaboration across communities, animal and human health sectors, government and international partners. The minister of agriculture, Willie Aucamp, and the National Department of Agriculture (DoA) urge South Africans to stand ‘stronger together’ in the fight against rabies, highlighting the importance of collaboration, responsible pet ownership, vaccination, and prompt action following potential exposure to the disease.
“Rabies is one of the world’s deadliest yet most preventable diseases. No one should lose their life to a disease we can prevent. Vaccinating dogs and cats, practising responsible pet ownership, reporting suspected cases, and seeking prompt medical care after potential exposure are essential to prevent deaths,” minister Aucamp said. “Through responsible pet ownership and acting quickly, we are ‘stronger together’ in the fight against rabies,” the minister added.
A serious threat
Working through the National Rabies Advisory Group, South African stakeholders are uniting to raise awareness about rabies and its impact on both animal and public health. Rabies remains a serious threat across all nine provinces, with significant hotspots in Limpopo (LP), KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and Eastern Cape (EC). By 26 August this year, South Africa had recorded 15 human rabies deaths since 1 January, including seven confirmed and two probable cases in EC, five confirmed cases in KZN, and one confirmed case in LP. A total of 115 laboratory-positive animal cases were reported from 1 January to 31 July 2026.
Everyone is encouraged to contact their local state or private veterinarian, animal health technician, or animal welfare organisation for advice and assistance regarding rabies prevention and vaccination. Communities, pet owners, veterinary and para-veterinary professionals, healthcare workers, government departments, policymakers, and partner organisations all have a vital role to play in eliminating rabies. Through stronger collaboration and coordinated action, we can prevent rabies, protect lives, and move closer to a rabies-free South Africa and world.
Key rabies aspects to note
- Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear; however, it is preventable.
- Vaccinate dogs and cats regularly to protect pets, families, and communities.
- After a bite, scratch, or lick from a potentially rabid animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and running water for at least 10 minutes and seek medical attention.
- Post-exposure treatment can prevent rabies when given promptly and correctly.
- Any mammal can contract rabies, including pets, livestock, wildlife, and humans.
- Be wary of wild animals that look as though they are tame.
- Responsible pet ownership and preventing the movement of unvaccinated animals are essential to stopping the spread of rabies.
Contact details for provincial veterinary services are available at https://www.nda.gov.za/index.php/component/content/article/451-provincial-veterinary-services-contacts.
For media enquiries, phone 063 359 6314 or send an email to NoluthandoM@nda.gov.za. – Media statement, National Department of Agriculture
