Rabies: Global eradication of canine rabies by 2030
A joint WSAVA-OIE statement was signed on the 6th November 2013, setting out the key recommendations for global canine rabies control and elimination, and the part that small animal veterinary practitioners can play. Surveillance networks such as SAVSNET can help this effort by collecting data on dog populations and demographics, as well as by promoting responsible dog ownership. An estimated 60,000 human deaths are due to rabies each year- this is a fatal and yet entirely preventable disease. The recent cases in France and the Netherlands (linked to commercial movement of puppies and shelter adoptions of dogs from areas where rabies is present) are a reminder that canine rabies is an ongoing threat, even in countries where it is not normally present. Read the joint statement here. Dr Alan Radford spoke about SAVSNET at the WSAVA - OIE joint symposium on rabies in Paris. Alan says "The WSAVA - OIE statement is clear. Rabies kills too many people, and vaccinating dogs can stop it. We should all think how we can help eliminate this terrible disease".