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The Western Cape Department of Agriculture‘s Veterinary Services is offering free rabies vaccinations to dogs and cats in Mossel Bay from 17 to 27 July 2023. The campaign aims to protect the health of both animals and humans from the deadly viral disease, which has been spreading in the Eastern Cape since last year.
George state veterinarian Dr Leana Janse van Rensburg said: “We want to vaccinate at least 70% of the pets in the area to prevent rabies from reaching the Western Cape. We are focusing on less privileged communities where pet owners may not have access to private veterinary clinics.”
Dr Janse van Rensburg explained: “Our officials are driving through the areas and vaccinating healthy dogs and cats that are at least three months old and presented by owners. Rabies is a serious disease that can affect both animals and humans, but it can be prevented by vaccination.”
Western Cape Minister of Agriculture Dr Ivan Meyer welcomed the campaign and said: “The safety of our communities is a priority for the Western Cape Government. We want to protect our pets and people from this disease.”
He urged pet owners to click here to learn more about rabies.
He also mentioned that the World Organisation for Animal Health, the World Health Organisation and the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations have launched a global strategy to end human deaths from dog-mediated rabies.
“Last year, Western Cape Veterinary Services vaccinated 139 580 cats and dogs against rabies. Healthy animals and safe communities will lead to improved food security and safety,” concluded Minister Meyer. – Press release, Western Cape Department of Agriculture
