Limpopo Hosts Rabies Feedback Session to Strengthen Community Awareness and Vaccination

The Limpopo Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (LDARD), in collaboration with the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA), the Department of Health, and the Department of Environmental Affairs, hosted a rabies feedback session at Phiphidi village. The session aimed to engage community members in discussions about the six-week mass rabies awareness and vaccination campaign conducted in Thulamela Local Municipality during June and July 2025.

The campaign was prompted by a surge in rabies cases reported in Makonde, Matangari, and Maniini, highlighting the urgent need for widespread animal vaccination. Community members whose animals were not vaccinated during the initial campaign were encouraged to bring them in for free vaccination, provided by LDARD and SAVA.

During the campaign, a team of State Veterinarians and Animal Health Technicians reached 124 villages across Thulamela Local Municipality, successfully vaccinating 11,488 dogs and 408 cats. This extensive coverage aimed to curb the spread of rabies and protect both animals and humans.

Dr. Vaneza Sekgoka, a State Veterinarian from LDARD Vhembe East, highlighted the objectives of the campaign during her presentation. She emphasized the importance of continued collaboration among stakeholders in the fight against rabies, particularly to prevent human infections. Dr. Sekgoka noted that community education and strengthened annual rabies campaigns remain essential interventions to combat the spread of the disease.

Dr. Edson Malwela, Manager for Public Health in the Vhembe District Department of Health, stressed the importance of timely medical intervention following potential rabies exposure. He reiterated that most fatal rabies cases result from a lack of awareness and insufficient information about the disease. Dr. Malwela called for ongoing education programs to ensure communities understand the risks and preventive measures associated with rabies.

The feedback session at Phiphidi village provided a platform for community members to ask questions, report concerns, and receive guidance on responsible pet ownership and rabies prevention. The event reinforced the critical role of multi-stakeholder collaboration in safeguarding both animal and human health.

Through initiatives like the Thulamela rabies campaign, LDARD, SAVA, and partner departments aim to reduce rabies infections, improve public health, and strengthen community engagement in preventive health measures. Continued awareness, vaccination, and education remain central to the long-term fight against rabies in Limpopo.