Abstract:
Canine rabies, responsible for most human rabies deaths, is a serious global public health concern. This zoonosis is entirely
preventable, but by focusing solely upon rabies prevention in humans, this “incurable wound” persists at high costs. Although
preventing human deaths through canine rabies elimination is feasible, dog rabies control is often neglected, because dogs are not
considered typical economic commodities by the animal health sector. Here, we demonstrate that the responsibility of managing
rabies falls upon multiple sectors, that a truly integrated approach is the key to rabies elimination, and that considerable progress
has been made to this effect. Achievements include the construction of global rabies networks and organizational partnerships;
development of road maps, operational toolkits, and a blueprint for rabies prevention and control; and opportunities for scaling
up and replication of successful programs. Progress must continue towards overcoming the remaining challenges preventing the
ultimate goal of rabies elimination.
