Pet owners encouraged to vaccinate against rabies

JOHANNESBURG - This World Rabies day, pet owners are encouraged to vaccinate their furbabies.

The potentially deadly viral disease affects the brain and nervous system, and is spread in the saliva of animals.

WATCH: World Rabies Day | Rabies virus affects the brain and nervous system

A bite from a rabid animal will cause symptoms that include excessive salivation, paralysis, inability to swallow, convulsions and aggressiveness. 

Tarryn Dent from animal health company Zoetis says there's no cure for rabies and the best way to prevent it is vaccination.