"Rabies, caused by a negative strand RNA-virus belonging to the genus Lyssavirus (family Rhabdoviridae of the order Mononegavirales), remains of global concern.
This vaccine-preventable viral zoonosis is present in more than 150 countries and territories.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), rabies is estimated to cause around 59 000 human deaths annually, with 95% of cases occurring in Africa and Asia.
However, rabies still occurs in other regions, such as Latin America and the Caribbean, Central Asia and the Middle East.
Whilst a number of animals can host the virus, dogs are the main source of human rabies deaths, contributing up to 99% of all rabies transmissions to humans. Dog-mediated rabies has been eliminated from Western Europe, Canada, the US, Japan and some Latin American countries. Nevertheless, the risk of reintroduction and disease among travellers to risk areas is a matter of concern.
Zero by 30, the global strategic plan to end human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030 was launched in June 2018.
It targets the dog reservoir of the disease, and aligns efforts to prevent human rabies and strengthen animal and human health systems. As with all zoonotic diseases, a 'One human, animal and environmental health' (One Health) approach with cross-continental, multidisciplinary collaborations will be central to achieving the aims of this strategy.
Such an approach will enable a better understanding of the complex interactions between human and animal health within a shared environment. This entails the integration of actions between the WHO, the World Organization for Animal Health, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, as well as at community level by multidisciplinary teams in the control and prevention of disease in humans and animals.
COLLABORATION ACROSS ALL SECTORS
Denne historien er fra 10 February 2023-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra 10 February 2023-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
