Rabies

What is rabies?

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals (dogs, cats, foxes etc.), including humans. The rabies virus is particularly present in the saliva and brain of infected animals, most commonly dogs, and is transmitted by a bite. Bats also represent an important reservoir in certain regions. A high presence in wildlife species can create multiple opportunities for cross-species transmission, mostly affecting domestic animals and humans.

As it can pass between animals and humans, rabies is a zoonotic disease (or a zoonosis).

The symptoms may be nonspecific at first, but include lethargy, fever, vomiting and anorexia. Within days, signs can progress to cerebral dysfunction, ataxia, weakness and paralysis, breathing and swallowing difficulties, excessive salivation, abnormal behaviour, aggressivity and/or self-mutilation.

The incubation period may vary from several weeks to several months, but once rabies symptoms appear the disease is invariably fatal both in animals and humans.

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Rabies: one of the deadliest zoonosis

For over 4,000 years, rabies has plagued almost every corner of the world and much effort has been made towards its elimination. Although it has been eliminated in Western Europe, North America, Japan, South Korea and parts of Latin America, the viral disease is still present in large parts of Africa and Asia.

Most deaths from rabies, both in humans and animals, are due to inadequate access to public health resources and preventative treatment. This means that low-income countries are disproportionately affected by the disease.

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Dog-mediated rabies elimination is possible

Unlike for many other diseases, the tools needed to eliminate dog-mediated rabies already exist. It is 100% preventable and rabies vaccines for dogs can efficiently eliminate the disease at its animal source.

 

Rabies control programmes

Some countries have already managed to eliminate rabies by applying strict preventative measures, but it remains present in other countries, mainly affecting wild host species.

In countries where the disease is endemic, measures should be taken to control and reduce the risk of infection in vulnerable populations (wildlife, stray and domestic animals), thus creating a barrier between the animal source and humans. Human deaths from rabies exposure can be prevented by developing and implementing a coordinated strategy against the disease.

Key components of a successful national control programme for dog-mediated rabies

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These measures need to be implemented alongside access to human medical care and post-bite treatments. In this regard, collaboration with human health authorities, under a One Health approach is crucial to their success.

The development and implementation of effective rabies control programmes are crucial to reduce the public health and economic burden of rabies, however, they are a major challenge for many countries. Adequate funding for disease elimination, both at an international and a national level, as well as prioritisation of the issue on the governments’ agendas, are key to helping these countries make strides against rabies. Over the years, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has been encouraging governments and international donors to invest in rabies control programmes, and particularly in the vaccination of dogs.

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The endorsement of official control programmes for dog-mediated rabies

Dog-mediated rabies is targeted for elimination by 2030. Meeting this goal requires that rabies-affected countries adopt an efficient strategy to tackle the disease.

Members can, on a voluntary basis, apply for the endorsement of their official control programmes for dog-mediated rabies. Such recognition is a key asset for national Veterinary Authorities, as it helps them advocate governments for increasing support and prioritising investments in rabies control, a fundamental step to further implement their programmes.

To receive such endorsement, countries need to collect evidence that their programmes comply with international Standards (Article 8.14.11. of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code). Applications are carefully reviewed by WOAH to verify the efficiency of the measures in place. 

Having a WOAH-endorsed control programme will also set out a clear path for countries to eventually eliminate the disease from their territories and declare freedom from infection with the virus, thus contributing to the global goal to eliminate human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.

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To know more about WOAH endorsement for official control programmes and its benefits, consult our brochure and success stories below.

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List of Members with an endorsed official control programme for dog-mediated rabies

According to Resolution No. 27 (91st General Session, May 2024)

Endorsed official control programme for dog-mediated rabies

Members with an endorsed official control programme for dog-mediated rabies, according to the provisions of Chapter 8.14. of the Terrestrial Code: 

• Namibia
• Philippines
• Zambia

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WOAH provides assistance to countries with the preparation of their dossiers. Guidance documents are available below:

International Standards on rabies

Veterinary Services play a key role in addressing health risks linked to rabies through coordinated activities with other relevant public institutions and/or agencies.

To support them in this mission, WOAH develops science-based standards, guidelines and recommendations to prevent and control rabies in animals, to secure the international movement of dogs and cats originating from rabies-affected countries and manage stray dog populations. The Organisation also publishes standards on the diagnosis of the disease and the production of high-quality veterinary vaccines.

These texts are regularly revised, with the emphasis on the epidemiological importance of the animal species most frequently linked to human cases (commonly dogs).

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Vaccine Bank for rabies

Since 2012, WOAH has established a Vaccine Bank for dog vaccination against rabies and provides support to its Members upon request. By providing high-quality vaccines complying with Standards, in a timely manner, and at a globally competitive price, the Rabies Vaccine Bank helps countries carry out vaccination campaigns.

With the financial support of Australia, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, and Japan, WOAH had facilitated the delivery of dog rabies vaccines to 37 countries, mainly in Africa and Asia. Vaccine doses can either be directly delivered through WOAH, or be ordered by countries or international organisations. In the framework of the Tripartite Alliance (WHO, WOAH, FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO) has notably decided to place its procurement orders for canine vaccines through the Rabies Vaccine Bank.

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Diagnostic laboratory network for rabies

Since rabies symptoms can greatly vary from one animal to another, the only way to confirm a case of rabies is through laboratory testing. In-country capacity to handle samples and master laboratory techniques is a key link in the fight against this deadly disease. To help Members improve their diagnostic capacity, WOAH established the Reference Laboratory Network for Rabies (RABLAB) in May 2021. This network aims to improve the prevention and control of rabies worldwide through the development and standardisation of laboratory techniques, as well as the coordination of research and training activities. RABLAB is composed of a diverse group of laboratories from around the world which provides a platform for collaboration, sharing of knowledge and expertise, and for the development of innovative approaches to eliminate dog-mediated rabies.

List of laboratories

What is RABLAB?

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In-country evaluation missions

In the framework of the PVS (Performance of Veterinary Services) Pathway, WOAH can conduct evaluation missions led by independent experts, at the request of its Members, with a specific focus on rabies.

The objective is to identify strengths and weaknesses in the measures in place to tackle the disease and to support countries in developing their national strategies for rabies control and elimination, in compliance with International Standards.

A first pilot mission is foreseen to be conducted in 2022 in the Africa region. The final output is a comprehensive report that provides a complete overview of the national situation with regard to rabies and proposes targeted solutions to address potential gaps. Among these, the IHR-PVS National Bridging workshops with a rabies focus (NBW-Rabies) organised in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) aim to enhance cross-sectoral collaboration between the human and animal health sectors, to address the disease in a coordinated way at country level.

One Health: sharing expertise across sectors

An effective rabies control strategy can only be achieved through a One Health collaboration between partners focusing on the same goal and implementing coordinated strategies.

WOAH works closely with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and others to develop international recommendations aimed at ensuring continued intersectoral collaboration and worldwide implementation of the most appropriate strategies to end dog-mediated rabies.

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The Global Strategic Plan ‘Zero by 30’

In 2015, the Conference “Global elimination of dog–mediated human rabies: The Time Is Now” offered the platform for an urgent call to action to tackle the disease and set the goal to reach zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.

Building on this international momentum, WOAH, WHO and FAO, and the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC), have since developed the Global Strategic Plan Zero by 30. With each partner bringing their specific expertise to the table, the Global initiative launched in 2018 provides the basis and global tools for a coordinated response to rabies and aims to support countries in their elimination efforts.

Countries are at the heart of this global strategic plan. Developing and implementing their own national programmes with global tools, structures and the needed support empowers them to progress towards national goals as they fight against rabies.

The plan’s first annual report highlighted both the remarkable advances made during the first year and the need to enhance its strategic approach by incorporating new lessons learnt.

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United Against Rabies Forum

To build on the strong foundation created through the partnership on Zero by 30, WOAH, together with FAO and WHO subsequently launched the United Against Rabies Forum (the Forum) in 2020. The Forum is an inclusive, multi-lateral network bringing together stakeholders from diverse backgrounds to share knowledge, experience and ideas that will support countries and regions in developing and implementing effective rabies elimination programmes.

Working groups will progress priority activities to help countries build national strategies and pursue advocacy and resource mobilisation initiatives. It also provides stakeholders with a central platform so they can easily access these resources, while annual stakeholder meetings foster networking between the numerous actors involved in rabies elimination.

Members of the public, owners of dogs and other animals, journalists, veterinarians or governments, all have a role to play in the global fight against rabies. In this daily effort, the sharing of information is instrumental to achieving success.

World Rabies Day 2024: Breaking Rabies Boundaries 

Each year, World Rabies Day is celebrated on the 28 September. World Rabies Day (WRD) is a day of action and awareness-raising, solidarity and commemoration. It is also a chance for the international community to join a global movement rooted in local action and engagement by organising or participating in any event, whether virtually or offline #Zeroby30 #WorldRabiesDay

This event is also an opportunity to remind stakeholders that the fight against rabies is not limited to a single day but needs to be conducted in a sustainable way to ultimately decrease the number of rabies deaths.

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