Why is rabies still a global threat if it is 100% preventable
The rage is a viral disease it affects central nervous system and it is in most cases fatal once symptoms appear. Despite advances in medicine and the availability of a effective vaccineRabies continues to be a threat, found on every continent except Antarctica.
After they met a few days ago in Argentina two out of ten pets do not receive vaccines necessary, including against rabiesI would like to dwell on some clarifying data about why it is so important to vaccinate our pets against this disease: it is estimated that in the world around 60,000 people die annually due to rabies and 40% of deaths occur in children up to 15 years old. Anger has a 99% mortality rate in humans and animals, but the flip side is that it is 100% preventable by vaccinating dogs and cats. That’s why really What makes you angry is not the vaccination.
Vaccination is most powerful tool what do we have to fight this pathology. It is necessary to clarify that in Argentina there are annual vaccination campaigns managed by health authorities, where the annual dose of rabies vaccination is free app. Implementation of vaccination programs in animals, especially in dogs and cats It has been shown to be effective in reducing the number of cases in both animals and humans. Vaccination of not only pets protects thembut also acts as a shield for human health by reducing the risk of virus transmission.
Vaccination of our pets is necessary to carry out a responsible ownership. Collaboration between professionals and training on proper vaccination practices is essential to achieve the best health strategies. Veterinarian support is essential to communicate the importance of compliance to guardians annual vaccination against rabies.
The problem is the elimination of rabies public health and in many countries it is a zoonosis present in the street dog population. The good news is that when it is designed appropriate health strategies and quality vaccines are used, with the cooperation of official organizations, veterinarians and the veterinary industry, it is a disease that can be controlled.
The WHO aims to achieve “zero human deaths from rabies carried by dogs per year 2030″. The challenge is great, taking into account the data I mentioned at the beginning, I maintain an optimistic and above all active outlook, because it is a goal that requires the sum of the parts and today it is possible to see the joint actions of the laboratory, the foundation and the organization such as World Alliance for Rabies Control, initiative of FAO-OIE-WHO.
All large-scale efforts are valid and necessary, but they are key be aware that the fight against this deadly disease of global reach, It starts with each individual. Although it is true that 99% of human rabies cases are caused by a bite canine, It is also true that 100% of these cases are preventable through vaccination. Realizing that we have highly effective tools to prevent rabies is therefore essential to responsible ownership, looking after everyone’s health and at the end of the day, remembering that: Vaccinating our dogs and cats saves lives.
*Carol Galli is a veterinarian