Rabies, especially canine rabies, has a tremendous public health impact in much of Africa and Asia. This disease annually causes thousands of deaths, especially of children, and is almost 100% preventable by vaccination of dogs in the affected parts of the world. However, because of lack of adequate funding and/ or effective veterinary infra-structure in the affected countries, canine and human rabies continues to be a problem.
The WVA encourages veterinarians and public health officials around the world to work together to reduce the terrible impact of rabies.
Former WVA President, Professor Leon Russell suggests that "One method could be for each of the WVA member national veterinary association's to form a "partnership" or "helping-hand" with the veterinary colleagues or a veterinary association/group in one of the canine rabies endemic countries. If enough WVA members will step forward and help their "partners", canine rabies could be eliminated in those canine rabies endemic countries- much like it has been eradicated in many parts of the world."
Dr Russell recommends that "We need to act now!"
