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World Rabies Day

World Rabies Day is an annual observance held on 28 September to raise awareness about rabies and its prevention. The day was first celebrated in 2007 and is coordinated by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control.

Rabies is a deadly viral disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans through bites or scratches. The virus attacks the nervous system and can cause death if not treated. There is no cure for rabies once symptoms appear, but it is preventable. The best way to prevent rabies is to get vaccinated against the disease. Vaccination is also important for pets, as they can transmit the virus to humans.

World Rabies Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about rabies and its prevention. It is also a day to call for action to eliminate rabies as a public health threat.

The theme for World Rabies Day 2024 is: Breaking Rabies Boundaries

This theme highlights the importance of the One Health approach to rabies prevention and control. The One Health approach recognizes that the health of humans, animals, and the environment are interconnected. By working together, we can eliminate rabies as a public health threat.

Global webinar on rabies | 8 October 2024

To commemorate World Rabies Day 2024, this FAO webinar will share information about FAO’s activities and countries’ experience on using the One Health approach to tackle rabies.

What is rabies? How is it transmitted? What are the symptoms and impacts on public and animal health?

As part of World Rabies Day celebrated on 28 September, Dr Patrick Ngou, paediatrician, speaks with Dr Sandrine Kenne, veterinary doctor to raise awareness about the different aspects of this very deadly disease.

⦿ Rabies is a vaccine-preventable viral disease which occurs in more than 150 countries and territories.

⦿ Rabies kills an estimated 59,000 people each year, mostly in Africa and Asia. Most of these deaths are children.

⦿ Rabies causes an estimated cost of USD 8.6 billion per year globally.

Highlights
In depth
One Health approach to rabies

FAO supports member countries in their efforts to prevent and control rabies through a One Health approach.

Highlights
Reducing human rabies cases in Bali

Human cases of rabies in Bali dropped to a fraction of their peak levels, demonstrating the effectiveness of the One Health approach centred on vaccinating free-roaming dogs.

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Case studies
Rabies prevention and control case studies

Examples of FAO’s activities to support member countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East to tackle the risk of rabies through a One Health approach.

News
Rabies and One Health: Africa strives to halt dog-mediated human deaths by 2030

Although entirely preventable, dog-transmitted human rabies kills tens of thousands of people every year, particularly in rural and poor areas of Africa and Asia.

News
Preventing the impact of rabies on humans and animals with a One Health approach

Strengthening educational awareness at the community level to prevent exposure, and through mass vaccination of dog populations is a paramount necessity.

Highlights
Strengthening capacity towards rabies elimination in Asia: A collective effort

In Asia, dogs are the primary carriers of rabies, making canine-mediated rabies a significant threat to both humans and livestock, with devastating impacts on livelihoods, food security, and public health.