The Division of Veterinary Services in the Omusati Region has urged pet owners to vaccinate their animals and report suspected cases of rabies.

The call was made during the commemoration of World Rabies Day at Ouvale Combined School in the Okalongo Constituency, where a rabies case had previously been recorded.

Dr Josephat Peter from the Outapi Veterinary Office says rabies is fatal once symptoms appear but can be prevented through vaccination and timely medical attention.

"Rabies is a 100% fatal disease once symptoms appear in your body, but it is also 100% preventable through vaccination and timely medical attention. Rabies is a viral zoonotic disease that affects both animals and humans."

Rabies remains a public health concern, particularly in the Northern Communal Areas.

In the Omusati Region, veterinary services investigated 47 suspected rabies cases in animals between January and September this year, with 27 cases confirmed positive.

The confirmed cases included 17 cattle, seven dogs and three goats.

During the same period, 26,963 pets were vaccinated against rabies, while 7,825 farmers received rabies awareness education.

"Given that 99% of human rabies cases are caused by dog bites, vaccinating dogs has been proven to be the most effective approach to preventing human rabies deaths."

Dr John Amuthenu from Oshikuku District Hospital called on communities to prioritise prevention.

"From birth, your pets should have a vaccination certificate that shows they have been vaccinated. We must also tell our children not to play with pets, because there are possibilities of them being bitten."

The authorities say anyone bitten or scratched by an animal suspected of having rabies should immediately wash the wound with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention without delay.

By vaccinating pets, reporting suspected cases and seeking prompt treatment after exposure, communities can help prevent rabies-related deaths.