The connection between humans and (small) companion animals is a vital aspect of our society. However, this relationship does carry some risk of exposure to infectious diseases. A prominent example is the canine rabies virus, which is estimated to cause approximately 59,000 human deaths each year, predominantly in developing regions of Africa and Asia, with children being the most affected.
Rabies also poses significant welfare challenges for the animal species that contract the disease. Veterinary professionals play a crucial role at the intersection of human-animal interactions and, in terms of public health, between human communities and free-roaming companion animals. Canine rabies serves as a key illustration of a disease that profoundly affects human populations, highlighting the need for a ‘One Health’ approach to its management.
Jim Berry, WSAVA President highlighted: “Rabies is an ancient disease that is well documented and understood, and can be prevented with currently available vaccines, yet still causes in excess of 59,000 human deaths every year. Most of these deaths are from bites from rabies infected dogs. The WSAVA has joined the United Against Rabies Forum, a collaborative group of governments, vaccine manufacturers, non-governmental agencies, veterinary groups and community groups with the support of the WOAH, WHO and FAO. Our goal is to eliminate all human deaths from dog bite rabies by 2030. This goal is lofty, but the vaccines, guidelines, and roadmaps exist to achieve this goal. What is needed now is the political willpower and resources“.
As we observe this important day, let us unite in our efforts to create a world free of rabies. Together, we can end all human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.