World Rabies Day is an annual event celebrated on September 28 to raise awareness of the most contagious disease in the world.
This day also celebrates the anniversary of the death of Louis Pasteur, who developed the first rabies vaccine. It’s World Rabies Awareness and Prevention Day.
Rabies is a viral disease that can affect any mammal, including humans. It is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite.
Once the virus enters the body, it travels to the brain and spinal cord, causing inflammation and eventually death.
Throughout history and around the world, rabies 🐕 has often been burdened with myths and folklore. This year, in anticipation of the World Cup #Rabies Dan, we shine the spotlight on some of these legends.#WRD #WorldRabiesDay
— World Organization for Animal Health (@WOAH)
September 26, 2023
What is the history of World Rabies Day?
This global health surveillance began in 2007 and was initiated by the Global Consortium for Rabies Control (GARC) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It has since grown into a global event, with events held in more than 150 countries around the world.
The goal of World Rabies Day is to raise awareness about rabies and its prevention, and to promote cooperation between different organizations working to combat rabies.
The day also aims to educate the public about the importance of vaccinating dogs against rabies.
What is the theme of World Rabies Day 2023?
The theme of World Rabies Day 2023 is “All for 1 – One Health for All”. This theme highlights the importance of One Health, a collaborative approach to health that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health.
One Health is key to rabies prevention. Rabies is a zoonotic disease, which means it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Therefore, it is important to control rabies in both animals and humans.
The most effective way to prevent rabies is vaccination. Mass vaccination of dogs is the most important step in rabies control.
Dog owners should also ensure that their dogs are regularly vaccinated against rabies.
Which animals spread rabies?
According to the National Library of Medicine, these animals are most likely to spread rabies:
- Dogs: Dogs are the main source of rabies infection for humans. Rabies is still common in many parts of the world, and dogs are responsible for the majority of human deaths from rabies.
- Bats: Bats are the second most common animal that transmits rabies to humans. Bat bites are often small and difficult to notice, so people may not realize they have been exposed to rabies.
- Raccoons: Raccoons are the most common wildlife carrier of rabies in the United States.
- Skunks: Skunks are another common wild animal that can carry rabies.
- Foxes: Foxes are known to transmit rabies, but are less common than raccoons and skunks in most of the United States.
Other animals that can transmit rabies include coyotes, wolves, ferrets, and cats. However, these animals are less likely to come into contact with people and pets, so the virus is less likely to spread.
World Rabies Day 2023 is a reminder that rabies is a serious global problem, but it is also preventable.
By working together to vaccinate dogs and other animals, educate people about rabies, and promptly report animal bites, we can eliminate rabies and create a safer world for everyone.
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Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education