Photo: FW Archive
According to the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA), rabies is a zoonotic disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans and is usually transmitted through bites or saliva exposure from infected animals.
Dr Didi Claassen, Afrivet’s head of pathology, explains that although rabies is commonly linked to dogs and wildlife, it also affects livestock, including cattle, sheep, and goats.
“In provinces where jackal and mongoose cycles are seen, such as the North West and Free State, rabies cases in livestock are reported. As of this year, eight cases of rabies in cattle have been confirmed in South Africa, though the actual number could be higher,” Claassen said.
She highlighted the importance of rabies vaccination in animals, noting that vaccines are available for livestock. “The best way to prevent human deaths due to rabies is to ensure that your dogs and cats are vaccinated according to law,” she said.
However, when it comes to livestock, the situation is more complex. “Farmers have to pay for the vaccine themselves, as livestock vaccination is not legislated, unlike for domestic animals. Additionally, wildlife, such as rabid jackals, can infect livestock at any time, especially in high-risk areas.”
Claassen also pointed out a significant issue: “Veterinary resources are scarce in rural areas, complicating matters even further. But where rabies is a known risk, vaccinating livestock should be an additional safety measure.”
The impact on farmers
Hlobisile Yende, a livestock and crop farmer and director at Yende and Partners in Heidelberg, Gauteng, shared the potential impact of rabies on farmers.
“Thankfully, we haven’t experienced rabies on our farm, but it would be catastrophic to both animals and humans if it did. Not only would we face the health risks, but also financial losses from losing livestock,” she remarked.
To prevent the spread of rabies, Yende emphasised the importance of vaccination and careful monitoring. “We ensure our vaccination schedules are up-to-date and monitor our animals closely for any unusual behaviour. Quarantining new animals is another key step we take to avoid introducing diseases to our herd.”
Vaccinating pets and livestock, alongside vigilant animal management, remains the most effective defence in reducing the incidence of this fatal disease.
“Rabies is preventable, but only if we take the necessary steps to control it,” Claassen said.
