World Rabies Day
It is important that all dog owners are aware of Rabies and the impact that this disease has on people all over the world.
What is Rabies?
Rabies is an infectious viral disease that in most cases is fatal. It affects domestic and wild animals, but dogs are the main hosts and transmitters of rabies. Rabies is spread to humans through bites and scratches and has been the cause of tens of thousands of deaths every year, many of whom are children.
It is found on almost every continent of the world, apart from Antarctica and some small islands. In developed countries it is very well controlled and almost even eliminated. There are many countries, especially those in Africa and Asia, that are still terribly affected by Rabies.
95% of all the 59,000 agonising rabies deaths a year occur in Africa and Asia.
If a person contracts Rabies, their options are rather limited. You can either go in search of expensive vaccinations and PEP treatments or face death. This horrific disease literally destroys lives, through death, and also emotionally and financially.
Millions of dogs, and other animals, suffer and die due to Rabies. Not only because of the disease but also the fear surrounding Rabies which leads to cruelty and culling. In India, for example, the risk of Rabies has caused many Indian people to fear stray dogs. This has led to huge amounts of abuse and neglect, with population control methods including poisonings and beatings, both of which are cruel and ineffective.
Vaccinating dogs is crucial and offers the communities they live in more protection. With sustained vaccinations over multiple years, the disease can be eliminated.
We are so proud to have consistently supported both our current project and historic adoption global partners in their hard work on their vaccination campaigns to contribute towards eradicating Rabies.
Take a look at our Global Projects Page to read more about our contributions.