Vetnews | September 2025 4 « BACK TO CONTENTS All this may be very true, but September is also a bit sombre as it is the month we focus on Rabies. When I spoke to Dr Didi Claassen about anything new and exciting in the Rabies world in South Africa, she responded that there is nothing new in Rabies. It has been around for so long that we may have exhausted the topic. Yet there is good news. The province of Mpumalanga has managed to curb the animal-human transmission. They have not reported a single case in the foreseeable past. Definitely a step in the right direction toward the goal of a rabies-free world in 2030. The Global Alliance for Rabies records all events taking place in the world, and it has been reported that South Africa hosts the most events per year. If you are hosting an event, go ahead and log it on their website. https://rabiesalliance.org/world-rabies-day In our district, Mopani, Limpopo, I see that rabies vaccination campaigns have already started, and they are being brought to the people. A great initiative to curb this awful disease. The National Rabies Advisory Group has earmarked the following dates for Rabies updates. Keep an eye out for them and use them in your practice and with your clients: Vetnews also focuses on Rhinos as it is also World Rhino Day, celebrated on September 22, which is for celebrating rhinos and debunking the myth that rhino horn has curative properties. We apologise for the mistake with the birth date of Dr Bruce Fivaz. His birth year is 1946 and not 1940 as indicated. Happy Spring Day!! v Andriette From the Editor Editor’s notes / Redakteurs notas 24-Hour Toll-Free Helpline: 0800 212121 This year on September 28, we are calling on you, me, and our communities to make a difference now! For the first time in its 19-year history, 2025’s theme does not include the word "rabies", showing how well-established this movement has become. Whether you are an individual, part of an organization, or a decision-maker, the time to act is today. • You – Take action in your personal life: vaccinate your dog, educate yourself about how to prevent rabies and Pre- and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, or advocate for better policies. • Me – Lead by example: inspire others, train professionals, or support rabies elimination efforts in your community. • Community – Work together: organize vaccination campaigns, educate learners and their families, and push for stronger rabies elimination programs. ‘September is the ninth month of the Gregorian calendar, has 30 days, and marks the beginning of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern Hemisphere. Its name comes from the Latin word for “seven,” as it was originally the seventh month in the ancient Roman calendar. People born in September are either Virgos or Libras, and the month’s birthstone is sapphire.’
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