Rabies deaths reach 15 in South Africa as World Rabies Day urges stronger action

Global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS has urged South Africans to embrace a one health approach to help eliminate rabies on World Rabies Day, September 28. 

Rabies is a fatal, yet 100% preventable, viral disease that attacks the central nervous system of mammals, including humans. 

This year’s World Rabies Day theme, “Stronger Together”, highlights the importance of collaboration between communities, veterinarians, healthcare professionals, government and animal welfare organisations to achieve the global goal of zero human dog-mediated rabies deaths by 2030. The theme specifically emphasises stronger partnerships, improved access to pet vaccinations and coordinated action across sectors.

According to FOUR PAWS, rabies remains endemic in parts of South Africa, with domestic dogs responsible for the majority of human exposures and infections. Effective disease prevention requires collaboration between animal health, public health, and environmental stakeholders.

Rabies is preventable

Director of FOUR PAWS South Africa, Fiona Miles, said rabies is a clear example of why human health and animal welfare cannot be separated. 

“Protecting animals through vaccination and sterilisation protects people and contributes to healthier, safer communities,” Miles said. 

Recent South African surveillance data have shown that most human rabies infections are linked to infected dogs, highlighting the importance of routine pet vaccinations, responsible pet ownership, sterilisation and community awareness. Children remain among the most vulnerable groups affected by rabies exposure.

In a statement released by the Department of Agriculture earlier this month, it said 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.

Vaccinate your pets

FOUR PAWS is encouraging 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 one health approach recognises that our wellbeing is interconnected. To eliminate rabies, we must continue strengthening collaboration across all sectors involved in prevention, data gathering and education,” Miles said.

The organisation also reminds the public that any bite or scratch from a potentially infected animal should be treated as a medical emergency. Immediate first aid entails thoroughly washing the wound for at least 15 minutes with soap and water and then seeking urgent medical care.

As South Africa works towards the global 2030 target, FOUR PAWS believes that success will depend on a collective commitment from pet owners, community leaders, healthcare workers, veterinary professionals and government authorities.

“This World Rabies Day, FOUR PAWS is calling on all South Africans to remember that protecting animals means protecting people and that ending rabies requires everyone to work stronger together,” Miles said. 

What South Africans can do:

• Ensure dogs and cats are vaccinated against rabies.
• Support local vaccination and sterilisation campaigns.
• Report suspected rabies cases to veterinary or health authorities.
• Teach children how to interact safely with animals.
• Seek immediate medical attention following an animal bite or scratch.
• Share accurate rabies prevention information within communities.

 

robin.francke@iol.co.za

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