Half a million pets are vaccinated against rabies in the Eastern Cape every year, but that is still not enough as the disease emerged as a renewed threat to humans and animals in last year.
At a handover of a double cab 4x4 bakkie to the Eastern Cape Veterinary Services on Thursday, Peter Oberem of Afrivet, which provides animal health products, information and services for animals cared for by farmers and veterinarians in Africa, said 15 cases of human rabies had been confirmed in South Africa last year.
“Eight were in KwaZulu-Natal, six in the Eastern Cape and one in Mpumalanga. Two more probable, but as yet unconfirmed, cases were reported in the Eastern Cape.
“Afrivet became aware of this challenge, and decided to step in.
“We joined forces with the DRDAR (department of rural development & agrarian reform) by sponsoring the vehicle.”
The handover was part of the graduation ceremony of 38 recently qualified animal health technicians at the Tsolo Agriculture and Rural Development Institute in the Eastern Cape.
Oberem said there was no cure for the disease and preventing it in animals was key. “Rabies is a disease that continues to take an unnecessary toll on our society. In the absence of a cure, prevention is our collective responsibility, and since half of the reported human rabies cases were found in the Eastern Cape, I decided that it was incumbent of me and my company to do our bit in stopping this unnecessary scourge.”
His sentiments were shared by Afrivet’s business unit manager for companion animals and ethical veterinary medicines, Dr Elizna Boag.
“Rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transferred from animals to people. The most effective methods of control are avoiding exposure, and vaccination.
“The two function together and each strengthens the effects of the other.”
Chief Director from the Veterinary Services of the Eastern Cape, Dr Lubabalo Mrwebi, said the vehicle would be used to access remote areas of the province.
“The Eastern Cape Veterinary Services vaccinate about 450,000 to 500,000 pets a year to prevent rabies from spreading any further, but this was not enough.
“We need to access the rural communities as their dogs and cats play a part in the prevention campaign.”
He urged pet owners to vaccinate their animals.
“Vaccinate your pets. Rabies kills.
“Should you have an animal that behaves suspiciously, don’t hesitate to contact your nearest agricultural official.”..