Mahikeng – The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will commemorate World Rabies Day with a mass rabies vaccination campaign in Lower Maje-a-Kgoro Village, under the Ga-Mothibi Tribal Authority in the Greater Taung Local Municipality, on Friday, 27 September 2024.
The Ga-Mothibi villages lie on the boundary between the North West and Northern Cape provinces, with animals and humans regularly interacting across these regions. Since 2023, almost 50% of all reported rabies cases in the North West Province have originated in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, with a significant portion affecting livestock, particularly cattle, in and around this target area.
This region, predominantly made up of communal farmers, sees almost every herdsman accompanied by dogs in the grazing areas. In addition, most homesteads lack animal-proof fencing, allowing dogs and cats to roam freely. The estimated population of dogs and cats in the area is approximately 550, with the campaign aiming to vaccinate at least 70% of these animals across 15 vaccination points spread throughout the region.
This year’s World Rabies Day campaign is a collaborative effort, involving the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Veterinary Services, the Northern Cape Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Veterinary Services, North West University, local community leaders, private veterinarians, and the North West Department of Health.
Experienced and dedicated officials will be deployed to conduct rabies awareness education and provide vaccinations for dogs and cats. Additionally, information booths and exhibition activities will be available for the community.
The theme for this year’s campaign is “Breaking the Boundaries.”
Members of the media are invited to cover this important event, which will take place as follows:
Date : Friday, 27 September 2024
Venue: Lower Maje-a-Kgoro Village
Time : 09:00
Issued by
The Directorate Communication Services
The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Acting Director: Mr. Prince Seokotsa
Cell: 078 456 6352
Email: PSeokotsa@nwpg.gov.za
For enquiries contact:
Khutala Tshangela
Media Liaison Officer
Cell: 066 458 6915
ktshangela06@gmail.com or KTshangela@nwpg.gov.za
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