As we know in most parts of the world at present rabies is prevalent as a deadly zoonotic disease. It is challenging for both the medics as well as for the vets to get rid of the virus from a locality or a region. What basic disease eradication and control strategies must be followed under such circumstances?
The following should be considered for prevention and control of rabies:
1- Control and eradication programs for urban rabies.
2-Control measures for wildlife rabies.
3-Regulation regarding international transport of animals.
4-Procedure for both pre-and post-exposure vaccination of individuals against rabies.
I'll just add few more things on top of those very important points described above. From my experience public awareness is highly important on both general public (in rural and urban areas) and targeted population (Physicians, Veterinary practitioners, Veterinary inspectors, Hunting Associations). Second point is improving the passive and active surveillance and creating strong surveillance network that can provide good information flow. Just for information, there was a big campaign for control and eradication of rabies on the Balkans not long ago that comprehend most of he above mentioned activities including wildlife vaccination.
hello all,
this link will answer lots of questions:
http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/85346/1/9789240690943_eng.pdf
Please read my book " Environmental aspects of zoonotic deseases" 2012 IWA Press.
Robert
In developing countries like India, it is important to conduct surveillance and monitoring programs of disease.
Control of stray dog population by animal birth control programs and their vaccination will play significant role in eradication of rabies.
Education to children and public health awareness about the disease.
To add (and maybe summarise) to what all of the aforementioned people said.
It has been proven that the eradication of rabies is possible, but the following criteria needs to be addressed.
1. Improved diagnostic capabilities and surveillance networks. This relates to the indication of disease burden which is required for the buy-in of stakeholders and governmental entities. The global burden of rabies is severely underestimated, but an excellent publication regarding this was released last year (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/275035571_Estimating_the_Global_Burden_of_Endemic_Canine_Rabies).
2. Improved access to vaccines. It has been proven that eradicating rabies in dogs is the most effective and cost effective way to prevent canine-mediated human rabies, which accounts for 99% of all human deaths. The effective vaccination requires at least 70% of a dog population to be vaccinated in order to ensure herd-immunity, which makes dog population studies, spay/neuter campaigns and general census of the utmost importance.
3. Improved publica education. Rabies is a completely preventable disease and by educating the public on rabies and its prevention the needless loss of life can be ended. Bite prevention is also something that should be included in all education campaigns in order to negate the cost associated with post-exposure prophylaxis. The Global Alliance for Rabies Control has recently launched a free online training course (Rabies Educator Certificate) that will certainly go a long way in ensuring general public education (https://education.rabiesalliance.org).
4. Enhanced pet ownership. Pet ownership, and all responsibilities associated with them, should be addressed at all opportunities.
I hope these points and references have helped somewhat.
Article Estimating the Global Burden of Endemic Canine Rabies
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