As we approach World Rabies Day on 28 September 2025, it’s time to unite behind the 2025 theme, “Act Now: You, Me, Community,” in the fight against one of the world’s most deadly zoonotic diseases that affects humans and mammals alike: Rabies. In 2025, we are urging individuals, organisations, and decision-makers alike to take action and work collaboratively toward effective rabies control and prevention. This is a call to responsibility, urging all of us to make a tangible difference in the fight against this life-threatening disease. The time to act is now!
Stakeholders have once again come together through the National Rabies Advisory Group of South Africa, joining forces in the fight against rabies. This deadly disease remains a threat in all nine provinces, with significant hotspots in Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, and the Free-State/Lesotho border. These provinces have historically reported the highest number of human rabies fatalities, the majority of which have been contracted from infected dogs. In 2024, 344 laboratory-confirmed animal rabies cases were reported across South Africa, with 166 cases recorded between January and June 2025. Additionally, eight human rabies cases were confirmed in 2024, with six confirmed, one probable and one suspect case between January and July 2025.
“Rabies is a preventable tragedy, and we have the power to stop it. By vaccinating our pets and raising awareness within our communities, we can mitigate the factors that allow this deadly virus to spread. World Rabies Day 2025 serves as a powerful reminder that through collective and responsible action, we can save countless lives – both human and animal,” says Dr Ziyanda Majokweni-Qwalela, President of SAVA.
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Breaking down the theme of 2025:
You
This encourages YOU to take action in your personal life: Have your dogs and cats vaccinated, educate yourself about how to prevent rabies if you are exposed to a potentially rabid animal, and become involved in awareness campaigns or advocate for better policies and implementation.
Me
I lead by my example: I can inspire others, share information or support rabies elimination efforts in my community. Passionate individuals are drivers of change and keep their communities safe.
Community
We need to work together: Organise or assist with vaccination campaigns, educate children and their families, hold each other accountable and push for stronger rabies elimination programmes.
What are the core messages about rabies that our communities need to know and share?
Although Rabies is 99.9% fatal once a person or animal shows clinical signs; it is also 100% preventable through vaccination of our pets and timely and correct treatment of exposed humans.
Rabies is a deadly disease with no cure once symptoms appear. It can be transmitted to people by an infected animal’s bite, scratch, or lick. If a person is bitten, scratched, or licked by an animal suspected to have rabies (an unvaccinated animal showing odd behaviour or neurological symptoms), the person needs to wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water and seek medical attention immediately. Post-exposure prophylaxis treatment will involve a series of rabies vaccinations and rabies immunoglobulin being injected into the wound (if the skin has been broken).
If your dogs and cats are vaccinated against rabies, they form a protective barrier for your family and protect you. The same is true if everyone in your community ensures that their dogs and cats are vaccinated.
Legally, every pet owner must have their dogs and cats vaccinated to protect both humans and animals against rabies. The first rabies vaccine is given at 12 weeks (three months) of age, followed by a booster vaccination between one and 12 months later. Thereafter, a booster is required every three years. In high-risk areas, annual vaccination is strongly advised!
Remember that any mammal can become infected with rabies – this includes pets, wildlife, livestock, and humans. Wildlife species that can also host rabies include jackals, foxes, mongooses, and, more recently, cape fur seals.
Dogs and cats are often moved between provinces by travellers, workers, or holiday-goers, which can easily cause the spread of rabies to any area if these animals are not vaccinated against rabies and are incubating the disease.
Enquire with your local state or private veterinarian, animal health technician or welfare organisation.
A map of south africa with red dots
AI-generated content may be incorrect.
Image credit: Department of Agriculture
How to join the fight against rabies
You and me, is where it starts. Through responsible pet ownership, learning more about rabies, creating awareness within your inner circle, educating others, and taking action within our communities, we contribute to a society safe from rabies. Stay informed, stay vigilant, ensure your pets are vaccinated and talk about the importance of rabies prevention.
#WorldRabiesDay #WRD2025 and tag @rabiesalliance
