On International Rabies Day, marked today under the theme “Stronger Together,” Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr. Ivan Meyer, acknowledged the vital work of veterinarians and support staff within the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s Animal Health Unit. Their commitment plays a crucial role in protecting both animals and communities from rabies.
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The 2026 theme emphasizes the need for collaboration among governments, animal health professionals, communities, animal welfare organizations, and pet owners in the fight to eliminate rabies. Despite being highly preventable, rabies continues to threaten both animal and human health globally.
Last year, veterinary teams in the Western Cape administered 132,458 rabies vaccinations for dogs, cats, cattle, and horses, totaling over R1.2 million, as noted in the Department’s 2025/26 Annual Report. These vaccinations are part of larger animal health interventions aimed at safeguarding livestock, companion animals, and public health.
Dr. Meyer stated, “On International Rabies Day, I salute the veterinarians and animal health professionals who work on the frontline to protect both animal and human health. Their commitment embodies the spirit of this year’s theme, ‘Stronger Together’. Rabies prevention requires cooperation between government, communities, animal welfare organizations, and pet owners. Every vaccinated dog or cat is another step towards a rabies-free Western Cape.”
The Department's Veterinary Services Programme is committed to enhancing disease surveillance, response to outbreaks, and preventive healthcare across the province. Aside from vaccination efforts, veterinary teams engage in community outreach, disease awareness initiatives, and biosecurity education to mitigate disease outbreaks.
The Annual Report highlights a strong correlation between the health of companion animals and the overall well-being of communities. In many underserved areas, limited access to veterinary services has made partnerships with animal welfare organizations essential for effective animal healthcare delivery.
Dr. Meyer further remarked, “Dogs and cats are more than companion animals. They are valued members of many households and communities. Protecting them from rabies helps protect families, children, and entire communities. We are grateful to the many animal welfare organizations, veterinarians, municipalities, and community volunteers who partner with us in this important work.”
He urged pet owners to ensure that their dogs and cats receive regular rabies vaccinations and called on communities to report suspected rabies cases to the nearest state veterinarian or animal health technician. “Together, through awareness, responsible pet ownership, and vaccination, we can save lives and move closer to the global goal of eliminating dog-mediated human rabies,” Dr. Meyer concluded.