COMBATING THE SCOURGE OF RABIES THROUGH PRACTICAL TACTICS

As World Rabies Day approaches on September 28, attention is drawn to this deadly but preventable disease and the crucial need for public awareness about vaccinations. In South Africa, rabies continues to be a significant issue, particularly in regions like KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo. Dogs, both domestic and wild, are the primary transmitters.

Globally, rabies remains a threat in over 150 countries, with 40% of victims being children in Asia and Africa. Boehringer Ingelheim, a leader in animal health, is actively supporting the ‘Zero by 30’ initiative aimed at eradicating rabies by 2030. To reach this ambitious goal, vaccination protocols are evolving to encourage more frequent immunizations for pets, especially in areas with higher incidences of rabies.

Jaisheila Keshav, Head of Animal Health South Africa at Boehringer Ingelheim, underscores the critical role of regular vaccinations: “Rabies is nearly always fatal in humans, but prevention is straightforward through vaccinating dogs and reducing bites. In high-risk regions, we now recommend annual vaccinations to address the increased risks associated with rabies transmission. This approach not only protects communities in the short term but also fosters a long-term environment where rabies can be eliminated for future generations.”

Playing an active part

Boehringer Ingelheim’s commitment to eradicating rabies is clearly demonstrated through its initiatives and collaborations in South Africa. Last year, the Animal Health team, in partnership with the Sustainable Development teams and the South African Veterinary Association Community Veterinary Clinics (SAVA-CVC), launched a comprehensive rabies vaccination campaign in Gqeberha, a region with the highest rates of both animal and human rabies in the country. This campaign was a response to South Africa’s worst rabies outbreak on record. The aim was to vaccinate 16,000 dogs, and the teams surpassed this goal by successfully vaccinating nearly 18,000 dogs in just eight months. This effort highlights Boehringer’s dedication to safeguarding both human and animal lives through effective vaccination programs.

In addition to vaccination initiatives, Boehringer Ingelheim has enhanced rabies surveillance programs to better monitor animal vaccination rates and ensure that efforts to control and eliminate rabies are data-driven and focused.

“While there has been a general decline in the reporting of rabies-suspected cases across South Africa, ongoing surveillance is crucial. These initiatives not only help track progress but also identify regions that need a more intensive vaccination approach,” explains Dr. Michelle Enslin, Regional Product Manager for Pets in IMETA (India, Middle East, Turkey, and Africa) at Boehringer Ingelheim.

Partnership-driven

Boehringer Ingelheim’s strategy for rabies prevention focuses on delivering innovative therapies and advancing preventative animal healthcare. This approach embodies a broader, patient-centric philosophy aimed at tackling complex healthcare challenges through collaboration and innovation.

By partnering with local communities, veterinary clinics, and global organizations like the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC), Boehringer Ingelheim implements sustainable strategies that respect existing resources. The success of the Gqeberha vaccination campaign, aided by GARC’s Surveillance app, exemplifies what can be achieved when communities, dedicated organizations, and individuals unite to combat a common threat.