SA’s alarming outbreak of rabies in dogs : vaccination and awareness are key to prevention

Abstract

Rabies is a frightening viral infection and the only infectious disease that carries a 100% mortality in any species (including humans) once clinical signs appear. In fact, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that more than 59 000 people die of rabies every year. According to Prof Andrew Leisewitz, Veterinary Specialist Physician at the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Science and an expert on the disease, South Africa is currently experiencing an unprecedented outbreak of rabies in dogs especially in the Eastern Cape.