Rabies Guide 2010.pdf - the South African Veterinary Council

“All dogs and cats in the
Republic shall be immunised
with an efficient remedy by
an officer, veterinarian or
authorised person at the age
of three months followed
by a second vaccination
within 12 months, at
least 30 days after the first
vaccination and thereafter
every three years. Dogs and
cats younger than three
months may be vaccinated
provided that they are again
vaccinated at the age of
three months, followed by a
third vaccination within 12
months and thereafter every
three years.”
The administration of vaccine before three months of
age is justified by the incidence of rabies in puppies
in South Africa. The Southern and Eastern African
Rabies Group agreed at their conference in Nairobi in
1997, that there was no age below which vaccination
of a dog against rabies would not be effective.
There are definite benefits in vaccinating very young
puppies, especially in areas of high prevalence where
the chances that the dog will not present again for
vaccination are high. As vaccine coverage is low
in many dog populations, it can be assumed that
few puppies will have significant passive protective
neutralising antibodies to reduce the efficacy of
vaccination.
During a mass vaccination campaign in Tunisia
puppies less than three months of age responded to
vaccination with no significant interference by passive
maternal immunity. 152 Dogs of all ages, even those
less than three months of age, should be included in
rabies mass vaccination campaigns.
All dogs and cats regardless of their age, weight
or pregnancy may safely be vaccinated. Rabies
vaccines may be safely administered on their own or
together with canine distemper, adenovirus type 2,
parainfluenza, leptospirosis and parvovirus vaccines.
It is usually not economically feasible to vaccinate
all livestock against rabies. However, consideration
should be given to vaccinating livestock that are
particularly valuable, kept in areas of high-risk or
during focal epidemics caused by black-backed jackal.
Wild mammals kept as pets should probably be
vaccinated annually, although trials have not been
performed in these species to determine vaccine
efficacy or the ideal vaccination schedule.
All parenteral rabies vaccines registered in South
Africa must be inactivated and induce at least three
years protection following primary vaccination.
Interprovincial movement
restrictions
As South Africa in its entirety is considered a rabies
endemic area, all interprovincial movements of dogs
and cats must be accompanied by a valid rabies
vaccination certificate.
Puppies and kittens less than three months of age
may be vaccinated at weaning and can then be
moved immediately to any destination in the country
provided that they are revaccinated at three months
of age. The rabies vaccination certificate of an
appropriately vaccinated dog or cat is valid for three
years in South Africa.
All carnivorous wild animal species, including jackal,
mongoose, bat-eared fox, wild dog, lion, leopard,
cheetah and hyena must be vaccinated against rabies
with an inactivated vaccine before being moved
anywhere in South Africa and all movements must be
accompanied by a valid rabies vaccination certificate.
Export from South Africa
The Department of Agriculture’s veterinary health
certificate must be completed for international
movements (Fig. 8). All vaccinations performed for
international movements may only be carried out
by an authorised person using a registered vaccine.
When this certificate is completed by a registered
private practitioner, it must be endorsed by a state
veterinarian.
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