Durban — The global theme for this year’s World Rabies Day, which will take place on September 28, is “Rabies: One Health, Zero Deaths”.
The theme will focus on the fact that it is possible to do away with human deaths that result from rabies-infected dog bites through a concerted vaccination effort, despite 59.0001 still dying from the completely preventable disease each year.
The Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) goal is “Zero by 30,” which means zero deaths by 2030, and One Health speaks to this.
“The environment, human health, animal health and the human-animal bond are all factors we need to consider when addressing rabies,” said Dr Tarryn Dent, business unit lead: companion animals at Zoetis South Africa (Zoetis), a global animal health company.
“Healthy pets impact human health, both mentally and physically. Companion animals have become increasingly important in households, and we know, since the pandemic, that they also promote good mental health and wellness.”
Their main challenge is that there are still diseases, such as rabies, that are resulting in thousands of human deaths each year – and yet the owners of companion animals can protect themselves and their families. World Rabies Day will focus on educating the public, and particularly pet owners, about this fact and encouraging vaccinations.
“The main problem with rabies is that by the time symptoms appear, it is a fatal disease for both humans and animals,” said Dent.
According to Garc, 40% of rabies deaths each year are children. These children tend to live in rural communities across Africa and Asia and do not have access to medication, which can be prohibitively expensive for poor and rural households. Similarly, millions of dogs (and other animals) suffer and die from rabies.
Garc says people need to understand that rabies is a serious viral illness that can affect any warm-blooded animal, including humans. They say it is endemic in South Africa, which means aside from feral domestic cats and dogs, many other species are carriers too, including mongooses and meerkats.
Rabies is considered to be a health crisis in South Africa, which is why the vaccination of domestic dogs and cats is mandatory by law. However, it’s up to pet owners to ensure their pets are vaccinated.
“Urbanisation means that we are increasingly seeing wild animals in suburbia,” said Dent.
“These animals enter gardens and that’s when pets are bitten. Keeping your animal in the yard is not enough – not to mention what might happen if you’re walking through a local park or along a creek near your home.”
Instead, Dent says that we can achieve zero rabies deaths through vaccinations, bite prevention education and general awareness of rabies.
“The timely treatment of bites is critical to prevent death,” said Dent.
“Assume the worst if an animal bites you or a loved one and get immediate treatment. Don’t wait to see if symptoms arise. Similarly, vaccinate your companion animals as it will protect them and your family.”
Daily News