September 28 is #WorldRabiesDay! The theme for this year is “Rabies: Facts, not Fear.” The theme focuses on facts about rabies and dispelling any myths or misconceptions.  Rabies is a deadly but preventable disease – let’s play our part to keep our communities safe!  #RabiesEndsHere - vaccinate your dogs and cats by visiting your local veterinarian or state veterinarian.

Ahead of World Rabies Day, the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA), based in South Africa, in collaboration with The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), Department of Health (DoH), The National Institute For Communicable Diseases Of South Africa (NICD), South African Veterinary Council (SAVC), National Animal Health Forum (NAHF) and the Rabies Advisory Group (RAG) will join forces to create the maximum awareness and education around Rabies Day.

Each key stakeholder and organisation has been tasked to collaborate in a social media awareness campaign by posting every second day for the next three weeks on their social media pages with the aim to raise awareness about rabies.

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Fact: Rabies kills someone every 9 minutes, globally.   If you are bitten, scratched or licked by a suspected rabid animal, apply the following steps:   Wash the wound well with soap and running water for 15 minutes. Immediately seek medical treatment at your nearest medical facility. To prevent rabies, a series of vaccinations will be given and if required, rabies antibodies will be administered.  #RabiesEndsHere - vaccinate your dogs and cats by visiting your local veterinarian or state veterinarian.  #Wo
Let’s dispel 3 common myths about rabies that people believe. By staying informed of the facts, we can help others stay safe.    Myth #1: Rabies is not preventable  Myth#2: There is no treatment for rabies   Myth #3: Rabies is only transmitted by dog bites   Fact#1: Rabies IS preventable Fact#2: There is treatment for rabies, but it must be given correctly and IMMEDIATELY after exposure to a rabid animal  Fact#3: Rabies can be transmitted by the bite of any infected mammal, but most commonly by dog bites  #