Protecting Communities Starts With Protecting Animals

FOUR PAWS warns of growing zoonotic disease risks in South Africa ahead of World Zoonoses Day.

Cape Town — Ahead of World Zoonoses Day on 6 July, global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS is calling for urgent, unified action to tackle the root causes of zoonotic diseases, many of which are deeply embedded in everyday realities across the country. World Zoonoses Day commemorates the first successful vaccination against a zoonotic disease in 1885 and highlights the global burden of diseases transmitted between animals and humans. Today, more than 60% of infectious diseases affecting humans originate in animals, making prevention a public health priority.

“Zoonotic diseases are not distant threats, they are already impacting communities across South Africa,” says Fiona Miles, Director of FOUR PAWS South Africa. “The way we treat animals, whether in our homes, on farms or in the wild directly affects human health. Improving animal welfare is one of the most effective ways to prevent future outbreaks.”

A South African reality: where animal welfare meets public health
Zoonotic disease risks are driven by everyday challenges such as limited access to veterinary care, lack of population management, high stocking densities, and commodification of animals.

Rabies and companion animal overpopulation
South Africa continues to face a significant rabies challenge, with the disease remaining endemic and largely transmitted through domestic dogs. An estimated 3.4 million homeless cats and dogs contribute to ongoing risks, particularly in under-resourced communities in provinces such as KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and Limpopo. Recent rabies concerns in parts of the country further highlight the urgency of coordinated prevention efforts. In addition, the emergence of rabies in wildlife, including Cape Fur Seals, points to the growing complexity of zoonotic transmission across both urban and coastal environments. “Rabies is entirely preventable, yet it continues to claim lives. Vaccination and sterilisation programmes are critical, and communities must have better access to veterinary care,” says Miles.

Factory farming and disease risk
South Africa’s increasing reliance on intensive farming systems is raising concern among animal welfare and public health experts. In these systems, animals are confined in overcrowded, stressful and unhygienic conditions, weakening their immune systems and creating ideal environments for disease outbreaks and antimicrobial resistance. “Factory farming creates the perfect conditions for diseases to spread and evolve. Lower stocking density farming systems are not only better for animals, they are essential for protecting people,” adds Miles. FOUR PAWS continues to advocate for more humane and sustainable farming practices, including improved legislation and reduced dependence on intensive animal production systems.

Wildlife exploitation and spillover risks
South Africa’s commercial wildlife and captive predator industries further heighten zoonotic risks. Big cats and other wild animals are often kept in confined, stressful conditions, with limited veterinary oversight and frequent human interaction. These practices increase the likelihood of disease spillover, where pathogens jump between species. “Wild animals belong in the wild. Exploitative industries not only cause immense suffering but also create high-risk environments for zoonotic diseases to emerge,” says Miles.

Livestock diseases and rural exposure
In rural and communal farming areas, limited veterinary access and poor biosecurity increase exposure to zoonotic diseases such as brucellosis and bovine tuberculosis. Practices such as home slaughter, consumption of raw milk, and shared water sources between livestock and humans further heighten risk.

A One Health approach is critical
FOUR PAWS South Africa emphasises the importance of adopting the One Health approach, which recognises that human, animal and environmental health are interconnected. This approach calls for coordinated action between government, the veterinary sector, public health authorities and communities to address zoonotic risks at their source. “Preventing zoonotic diseases requires collaboration across sectors. The One Health approach ensures we address the root causes, animal welfare, environmental health and human wellbeing together,” says Miles.

Communities play a vital role
While systemic reform is essential, FOUR PAWS highlights the critical role that individuals and communities can play in preventing zoonotic disease transmission:

• Vaccinate pets regularly, especially against rabies
• Sterilise companion animals to reduce stray and roaming populations
•  Avoid handling wildlife
• Practice proper hygiene after contact with animals
• Support humane and sustainable farming practices

A call for urgent action
FOUR PAWS is calling on South African authorities to prioritise spillover prevention strategies, including improved animal welfare legislation, accessible veterinary services and the phase-out of high-risk practices such as intensive factory farming and exploitative wildlife industries. “The next pandemic can be prevented but only if we act now,” concludes Miles. “By protecting animals, we are protecting our communities, our health systems and our future.”

For more information, please visit our website at www.four-paws.org.za

Author: Deidre Daniels.