Western Cape Agriculture advances rabies prevention through community vaccination campaigns

Stronger Together: Western Cape Advances Rabies Prevention Through Community Vaccination Campaigns

As the world marks International Rabies Day today under the theme,“Stronger Together”, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, has paid tribute to the dedicated veterinarians, animal health technicians and support staff in the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s Animal Health Unit for their tireless efforts to protect animals and communities from rabies.

The 2026 theme highlights the importance of collaboration between governments, animal health professionals, communities, animal welfare organisations and pet owners in the shared mission to eliminate rabies. It is a timely reminder that no single institution can defeat this deadly disease alone.

Rabies remains one of the world's most preventable zoonotic diseases, yet it continues to pose a threat to both animal and human health. Through sustained vaccination campaigns and community outreach, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture is helping to build safer, healthier communities.

According to the Department’s 2025/26 Annual Report, veterinary teams administered 132 458 rabies vaccinations to dogs, cats, cattle and horses across the province during the past financial year at a value of more than R1.2 million. These vaccinations formed part of broader animal health interventions aimed at protecting livestock, companion animals and the public from diseases of economic and public health importance.

Minister Meyer said:

“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 organisations and pet owners. Every vaccinated dog or cat is another step towards a rabies-free Western Cape.”

The Department’s Veterinary Services Programme continues to strengthen disease surveillance, outbreak response and preventative healthcare throughout the province. Beyond rabies vaccination campaigns, veterinary teams conduct community outreach, disease awareness initiatives and biosecurity education to help prevent disease outbreaks and promote animal welfare.

The Annual Report also notes that the Department has observed a strong link between the wellbeing of companion animals and the psychosocial wellbeing of communities. In many under-served areas, access to veterinary services is limited, making partnerships with animal welfare organisations an essential component of effective animal healthcare delivery.

Minister Meyer added:

“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 organisations, veterinarians, municipalities and community volunteers who partner with us in this important work.”

The Minister encouraged all pet owners to ensure that their dogs and cats receive regular rabies vaccinations and urged 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,” concluded Minister Meyer.

Media enquiries:
Daniel Johnson
Media Liaison Officer to Provincial Minister Ivan Meyer
Cell: 079 990 4231
Email: Daniel.Johnson@westerncape.gov.za

#GovZAUpdates

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.