25/09/2025
Where does rabies occur in South Africa?
Remember that any mammal can become infected with rabies – this includes pets, wildlife, livestock and humans. Wildlife species that can host rabies include jackals, foxes, mongooses and cape fur seals.
Animal rabies occurs in all nine provinces, with dog rabies cycles mainly concentrated in the eastern parts of the country (Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape provinces and the eastern Free State border with Lesotho). Dogs and cats are often moved between provinces by travellers, workers, or holiday-goers, which can easily cause a spillover of rabies to any area if these animals are unvaccinated or inadequately vaccinated and incubating the disease.
If your dogs and cats are vaccinated against rabies, they form a protective barrier for your family and protect you and your beloved pets. The same is true if everyone in your community ensures that their dogs and cats are vaccinated.
This campaign is proudly sponsored by VTech Veterinary Pharmacies
Images credit:
Epidemiology sub-directorate, DOA
Sarah Pryke, Funda Nenja
