Protecting Communities Starts with Protecting Animals

Cape Town, 01 July 2026 — 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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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