Vet Varsity Promoting Awareness and Elimination of Rabies on World Rabies Day 2023

Ludhiana, September 27, 2023: 

Every year on September 28th, World Rabies Day is observed worldwide to raise awareness about rabies disease and enhance collaborative efforts for prevention and control of this deadly viral disease. Dr Jasbir Sigh Bedi, Director, Centre for One Health, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana informed that the celebration of this day was started in year 2007 and the day coincides with the death Anniversary of Scientist Louis Pasteur who invented the first effective vaccine against rabies. The theme for World Rabies Day 2023 is ‘All for 1, One Health for all’ emphasizes the goal of eliminating the fear of rabies by educating communities and fostering a One Health approach to ensure the equitable access to health services and rabies post-exposure prophylaxis.

The Centre for One Health has been actively engaged in rabies awareness campaigns, working towards eliminating rabies through a One Health approach. In view of this year's theme, the Centre is organising expert lectures, rabies awareness interaction with the school children and other student’s activities.

He shared that Rabies is a viral disease, causing thousands of deaths every year. The burden of rabies is significant, particularly in Asia and Africa, where the majority of human rabies deaths occur out of 59,000 global deaths per year. India, in particular, bears a heavy burden, accounting for a substantial proportion of global rabies cases with around 20,000 deaths per year.

This disease is primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, typically through bites or scratches. Dogs are the most common source of rabies transmission to humans, but other mammals like cats, bats, and wildlife can also carry the virus. Preventing rabies is a multifaceted approach involving both pets and humans. Vaccination is the cornerstone of rabies control in dogs, with regular booster shots recommended to ensure their immunity.

Stray dog population control programs, public awareness campaigns, and responsible pet ownership can play essential roles in reducing the risk of rabies transmission.

Rabies awareness is crucial for the safety of our communities, especially among children. It is essential that children are educated about the potential dangers of dog bites. They should be encouraged to speak up and not hide any dog bites or scratches they may experience accidently. In the event of a dog bite, it is of utmost importance to immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water. Following this, it is important to consult a physician as soon as possible for the appropriate vaccination regimen based on the bite category.

As we commemorate World Rabies Day 2023, one should remember that rabies is a preventable disease, and together, we can work towards a world without fear of rabies.