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The Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform says around 11 500 household pets were vaccinated against rabies since the recent outbreak in Nelson Mandela Bay.
The canine rabies virus spread in the Metro and Buffalo City Municipality in the last few months with this Metro worst affected.
The virus has already claimed the lives of two children in the Bay after they were bitten by a rabid dog.
The third victim of the virus was a five-year-old child from Reeston in East London.
State Veterinary Service Chief Director, Dr Cebisa Mnqeta said the department had an awareness campaign in Motherwell on Tuesday to get more pets vaccinated and to create awareness.
He says just before midday about 600 pets were vaccinated.
Adding, that the department is pleased with the turnout in Motherwell
"Well done to them, I wish they could spread the information to other areas as well," he said.
Mnqeta says this awareness campaign in Gqeberha falls on World Rabies Day.
"And the reason why we have decided to do it here is to raise awareness about the dangers of rabies, how people can protect themselves and what people can do in the event someone is bitten by a [suspected] rabid animal, be it a dog or a cat"
Mnqeta says the department's data shows that there are about 40 000 domestic pets in Nelson Mandela Bay and the plan is to vaccinate at least 70% of that figure.
He says the goal is to do this between now going towards the middle of December.
"This will assist us [in stabilising] the current infection troubling us in the Gqeberha area," he added.
Mnqeta says the department wants to at least achieve herd immunity in affected areas.
He says the department has also set up teams who are vaccinating household pets in parts of Buffalo City Municipality.
Areas covered include Mdantsane, Reeston and the Great Kei.
