They share our homes, wait at our gates and become part of the quiet architecture of family life. Yet the affection we extend to our pets carries with it an equally important obligation: to protect them from preventable disease and, in doing so, protect the wider community.
That responsibility comes sharply into focus during World Rabies Day, observed on Monday, 28 September.
Rabies remains one of the world’s most lethal zoonotic diseases, but it is also preventable when the correct precautions are taken. At the centre of that prevention is one deceptively simple measure — keeping domestic animals properly vaccinated.
The virus can affect mammals, including dogs, cats, livestock and wildlife, and is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, most commonly through a bite or scratch. Dogs remain the principal source of human rabies infections globally, placing vaccination and responsible pet ownership at the heart of prevention.
Director of the Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW), Clint Halkett-Siddall, said prevention begins with keeping pets protected and limiting opportunities for them to come into contact with potentially infected animals.
“Keep your pets vaccinated against rabies. Regular rabies vaccination of dogs and cats is one of the most important ways to protect your pets, your family and the wider community. Keep vaccination records up to date and speak to your vet about the appropriate vaccination schedule for your pet,” he said.
Halkett-Siddall said responsible ownership extends beyond vaccination and includes knowing where pets are and what they may encounter when outside the home.
“Keep dogs securely contained on your property. Responsible pet ownership helps prevent roaming, fights, bites and contact with potentially infected animals. Supervise pets when they are outside, particularly in areas where they may encounter stray animals or wildlife,” he said.
That caution is equally important when people themselves encounter wildlife or unfamiliar domestic animals.
“Do not handle wild or unfamiliar animals, even if they appear tame, injured or in need of help. Contact an appropriate wildlife rescue organisation such as CROW instead,” he added.
Recognising concerning behaviour can provide another important layer of protection. However, Halkett-Siddall cautioned against assuming that outward appearance alone could determine whether an animal posed a risk.
“Take unusual behaviour seriously. Sudden changes in an animal’s behaviour, unexplained aggression, excessive salivation, difficulty swallowing, paralysis or other abnormal neurological signs can be associated with rabies, although these signs can have other causes too. Never assume an animal is safe simply because it looks healthy. If someone is bitten or scratched by an animal that could potentially carry rabies, medical advice should be sought promptly,” he said.
One potentially dangerous misconception is that a minor wound can simply be ignored. Halkett-Siddall said: “Any potentially rabies-exposing bite or scratch should be taken seriously. Wash the wound immediately with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention as soon as possible.”
Waiting for symptoms to emerge is equally dangerous.
“Once clinical symptoms of rabies appear, the disease is fatal in virtually all cases. However, rabies is preventable when appropriate post-exposure treatment is given promptly,” he said.
Another misconception is that the disease is confined to dogs.
“Rabies is only a problem for dogs. Rabies can affect mammals, and exposure can occur through bites or scratches from infected animals. This is particularly important when dealing with unfamiliar domestic animals or wildlife,” Halkett-Siddall said.
The message this World Rabies Day is therefore one of vigilance rather than fear.
Prevention begins long before an emergency — with vaccinations kept current, pets properly supervised, children taught to respect animals and communities knowing how to respond when something goes wrong.
For the animals that occupy such treasured places in our homes, protection begins at home.
