The Cape of Good Hope SPCA is urging South Africans to take action ahead of World Rabies Day on Sunday, September 28.
Rabies remains endemic in the Cape Fur Seal population, and unvaccinated pets continue to pose a risk to families and communities. The virus is 100% fatal but 100% preventable with timely vaccination and public vigilance.
This year’s theme,“Act Now: You, Me, Community”, calls on every individual to be part of the solution: vaccinate your pets, educate others, and spread awareness.
Vaccinate to Protect: Your Pet, Your Family, Your Community
“Rabies is a fatal viral disease, and vaccination is the most effective way to prevent it from spreading to humans and animals,” says SPCA Veterinarian Dr Deepali Narotam. “All pet owners have a duty to ensure their pets are fully vaccinated, as required by the Animal Diseases Act.”
Rabies vaccinations should be administered to pets at three months of age, followed by a booster a month later. An annual booster is required in high risk areas.
Unvaccinated animals are at high risk of contracting and spreading rabies, which is mostly transmitted through bites although exposure may also occur through contamination of broken skin or mucous membranes with saliva from an infected animal.
Symptoms of rabies in animals may include:
- Sudden behavioural changes (aggressive animals becoming calm or tame animals becoming aggressive)
- Paralysis or partial paralysis
- Abnormal vocalisation (dogs barking strangely)
- Hydrophobia (fear of water)
- Foaming at the mouth
- Attacking inanimate objects like rocks or trees
World Rabies Day: A Global Call to Educate and Vaccinate
World Rabies Day is an international a day dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of human and animal rabies and the importance of pet vaccination and education.
“We urge the public to do their part by ensuring their pets’ vaccinations are up to date and spreading awareness about rabies prevention” Dr. Narotam emphasised.
Free vaccinations are always available at our onsite hospital in Grassy Park and at our mobile clinics, that travel to communities throughout Cape Town. For a full schedule, visit Mobile Clinic Schedule.
Rabies is Still Endemic in Cape Fur Seal Populations
With rabies still endemic in Cape Fur Seals, beachgoers are reminded to exercise caution.
The public is reminded to avoid close contact with seals and to remember that it is illegal to approach or harass any coastal wildlife, including seals. If you witness a seal displaying unusual or aggressive behaviour, report it to the relevant authorities:
- Cape of Good Hope SPCA: 021 700 4158/9
- City of Cape Town: 021 480 7700
- CapeNature: 083 236 2924 (West Coast and Overberg)
- Table Mountain National Park: 021 783 0234
World Rabies Day 2025: “Act Now—You, Me, Community”
This year’s theme reminds us that rabies prevention is a shared responsibility:
You: Vaccinate your pets, educate yourself, and stay alert
Me: Share what you know, speak up, and lead by example
Community: Promote vaccination, host awareness events, and support rabies elimination efforts
World Rabies Day, launched in 2007, is now observed in over 150 countries. The global goal: Zero rabies deaths by 2030.
How You Can Help
Check your pets’ vaccination records, if they are out of date, act now.
Educate your family and neighbors
Know the signs and report strange wild or domestic animal behavior
Share awareness on social media using #WorldRabiesDay
Find free downloadable resources from the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC)
“Rabies hasn’t gone away. It’s here, and it’s deadly, but it’s also preventable,” says Dr. Narotam. “Do your part. Act now.”
