World Rabies Day: A Global Call for Action and Awareness

Every year, on September 28, we observe World Rabies Day to highlight how crucial it is to understand and prevent rabies, and the global fight to eradicate the disease.

The theme of the 2025 observance day has not been announced yet, however, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international health bodies have set a goal to eliminate rabies by 2030. This annual day aims to shed light on rabies’ impact, share valuable information, and encourage actions to prevent its spread, ultimately working toward the goal of a world free from this deadly disease.

Skunks are one of the most common carriers of rabies in Texas

Understanding Rabies

Rabies is a viral zoonotic disease that causes progressive and fatal inflammation of the brain that affects mammals, including humans, and is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals. While any mammal can contract rabies, dogs are the primary source of human infections, accounting for nearly 99% of all rabies-related deaths worldwide. In the Americas, parts of Europe, and Australia, where rabies in dogs is mostly controlled, the most common cause of contraction is from blood-feeding bats, followed by foxes, raccoons, and skunks. The disease is always fatal once symptoms appear, which include fever, confusion, agitation, paralysis, and hydrophobia (fear of water). Worldwide, most victims of the disease are children aged 5-14.

According to WHO, rabies causes around 59,000 deaths annually, with the majority of cases occurring in Asia and Africa. This makes rabies one of the deadliest zoonotic diseases (diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans) globally.

Feral cats are another very common but overlooked carrier of rabies all around the world, including in the United States

The Significance of World Rabies Day

World Rabies Day was established in 2007 to honor the life of Louis Pasteur, the French scientist who developed the first rabies vaccine in the 19th century. This observance not only educates the public about rabies but also advocates for practical measures to control the spread of the disease. The day provides an opportunity for governments, health organizations, veterinarians, and communities to come together and collaborate on efforts to reduce the impact of rabies worldwide.

World Rabies Day is focusing on accelerating the global effort to eliminate rabies by 2030. This ambitious target aims to reduce human deaths from rabies to zero, making rabies the first disease to be completely eradicated in humans through vaccination and education.

Bats, of course, are the most widely-acknowledged carrier of rabies

Global Efforts Toward Rabies Eradication

Efforts to eradicate rabies have made notable progress in recent years. The establishment of the “Zero by 30” initiative, which aims to eliminate human deaths from rabies by 2030, has rallied support from governments and international organizations. Through mass dog vaccination programs, public health education, and better access to vaccines and treatments, rabies can be eradicated.

Countries like Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and Thailand have already seen significant reductions in human rabies cases due to comprehensive vaccination and public awareness programs. However, the task is still challenging, especially in regions with high numbers of stray animals and limited healthcare infrastructure.

Most mammals can be rabies vector species (carriers!) - including furry woodland friends like raccoons

How to Observe World Rabies Day 2025

Individuals and organizations worldwide can observe World Rabies Day in various ways, ranging from education campaigns to vaccination drives:

• Raise Awareness: Social media platforms, community events, and public campaigns can help spread crucial information about rabies prevention. Sharing facts about rabies, such as the importance of vaccinating pets and avoiding contact with stray animals and native wildlife, can save lives. Educating children about rabies is important due to the primary demographic of cases in humans being ages 5 to 14.

• Vaccination Drives: Local communities can organize vaccination clinics to ensure that pets are vaccinated against rabies. Volunteers can help with organizing these events and educating pet owners about the importance of regular vaccinations.

• Advocacy: Advocating for stronger policies around rabies prevention, including legislation to control stray animal populations and fund vaccination programs, is essential. Governments should prioritize rabies control efforts in their public health agendas.

Even foxes and coyotes can be carriers, it all comes down to location and prevalence of the disease

The Role of Individuals in Preventing Rabies

While large-scale programs are necessary for rabies eradication, individual actions also play a crucial role in preventing the disease:

• Responsible Pet Ownership: Pet owners should ensure that their dogs and cats are regularly vaccinated against rabies and avoid allowing them to roam freely in areas with high rabies transmission risk. Reporting stray animals to local authorities also helps reduce the risk of rabies transmission.

• Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): In case of an animal bite or scratch, seeking immediate medical care and receiving post-exposure rabies vaccination can prevent the onset of the disease. It is essential to wash the wound thoroughly and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Even feral dogs can carry and transmit rabies. Vaccinating your pets is incredibly important for their protection and yours!

Looking Ahead: The Future of Rabies Control

The future of rabies control looks promising with continued advancements in vaccines, diagnostic tools, and community-based prevention efforts. Innovations in the development of oral rabies vaccines for wildlife, along with global collaborations, are moving the world closer to a rabies-free future.