Latest News & Developments
rabies
Rabies alert issued after dog tests positive in Hilton area
Residents of Hilton are urged to exercise caution following a rabies alert issued by the uMngeni SPCA and uMgungundlovu District Municipality after a dead dog tested positive for the virus. The alert follows a recent dog attack on a person in the area.
Rabies confirmed in Cape fur seals: What beachgoers need to know
Beachgoers are advised to exercise caution as rabies becomes endemic among Cape fur seals in South Africa, with experts urging the public to avoid close encounters and report unusual behaviour.
Rabies cases surge in KwaZulu-Natal: Authorities on Alert
The rising number of rabies cases in KwaZulu-Natal has prompted urgent calls for dog owners to vaccinate their pets. With authorities warning that rabies is nearly 100% fatal, ensuring your furry friend is protected could save lives.
Rabies alert: Cape fur seals spreading deadly virus - NICD
The NICD warns of rising rabies cases in Cape fur seals. Are you prepared for potential encounters with these wild animals?
Tragic case of unvaccinated dog highlights importance of rabies vaccination
After a beloved pet’s tragic rabies diagnosis, the Kloof and Highway SPCA urges all pet owners to ensure their animals are vaccinated against this deadly disease.
Rabies in South Africa: what you need to know about risks and prevention
With the holiday season approaching, South African authorities warn the public about the rising risk of rabies in dogs and Cape fur seals. This article outlines symptoms, precautions, and what to do if bitten.
Leave the seals alone! Anger over increase of Cape fur seal harassment incidents
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is concerned about increasing incidents of harassment by the public of Cape fur seals along the coast.
Stay away from Cape fur seals this holiday season
CapeNature said swimmers and surfers must remain extra vigilant while in the sea and if a seal is spotted, exit the water immediately and report it to the lifeguards or municipal authorities.
Call for vaccinations with 185 animal rabies cases in South Africa this year
The department emphasised that “dog-mediated rabies in humans was fully preventable”.
World Rabies Day: Rabies can be prevented in humans and animals
In celebration of World Rabies Day, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development emphasised that the deadly rabies virus can be prevented in humans and animals.
Ferrets pose growing threat to South Africa’s wildlife, warns CapeNature
Anyone found in possession of a ferret without the appropriate permit could face legal consequences under the Nature Conservation Ordinance.
CapeNature warn against keeping ferrets as pets
CapeNature has warned against the dangers of keeping ferrets (Mustela furo) as pets because of the risk of diseases that could be lethal to both humans and indigenous wildlife.
eThekwini Municipality urges pet vaccination after toddler dies from rabid dog
eThekwini Municipality is urging pet owners to vaccinate their animals against rabies after a toddler died days after playing with a rabid dog.
Child,3, dies after contact with rabies infected dog
The eThekwini Municipality urges residents to vaccinate their pets against rabies following the death of a three-year-old child in Ngonyameni.
‘Seals need our help’: Urgent efforts to protect Cape fur seals from plastic pollution in South Africa
One of the most immediate and tangible threats is plastic pollution, particularly debris from commercial fishing.
Rabies in Cape fur seals now ‘endemic’
Increased aggression in Cape fur seals that has led to attacks on humans at Cape Town beaches, has been directly linked to the presence of rabies.
Search continues for owner of puppy that tested positive for rabies at P’maritzburg SPCA
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has joined the Pietermaritzburg SPCA’s call to help find the person who brought a tan, cross-breed puppy to the SPCA, which tested positive for rabies.
Caution urged in Western Cape after outbreak of rabies in seals
Anyone bitten by a seal in the last six months, has also been advised to seek medical evaluation from a general practitioner or hospital immediately.
Beware of rabies in all animals – hospital group warns
Livestock, cats, wildlife, especially mongooses and bats, are all potential carriers of the disease, and new concerns have been raised after a Cape fur seal tested positive for rabies.
Zero cholera, food or water-borne deaths in past year – deputy mayor
The Environmental Health Unit at King Cetshwayo Municipality recorded credible achievements in cholera preparedness, prevention of food-borne illnesses and containing the spread of rabies.
Expert advice on how to avoid rabies
Educate your children about the risks of rabies and ensure friends, family, and childminders know about the risks.
Municipality sounds alarm on rabies in Pietermaritzburg
Ensuring your pets are vaccinated against rabies is crucial, and immediate medical attention should be sought if bitten by an animal.
Stay away from the seals, warns City of Cape Town after positive rabies case
The City of Cape Town is urging people to stay away from seals following a positive rabies case.
Township farmers empowered to grow local economies
Township Agriculture, a programme aimed at eliminating hunger while growing the township economy, was launched in KwaMashu.
KZN premier to lead rabies awareness campaign in KwaMashu
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube said there are unnecessary human deaths due to rabies which can be prevented if pet owners take the responsibility of vaccinating their pets.