Source:
Numerous fatal human cases of rabies, particularly affecting children, occur every day in Africa and Asia, for example in Indonesia and the Philippines. The increase in human cases is linked to the proliferation of roaming dogs, which include dogs having owners as well as stray dogs.
Control of the stray dog population makes a significant contribution to preventing human rabies cases. The OIE has adopted and published international standards on this matter and recommends their application worldwide (Section 7, 2010 Terrestrial Animal Health Code, http://www.oie.int/eng/normes/mcode/en_titre_1.7.htm).
“However when local conditions allow it, dog vaccination is the most efficient measure. The cost of vaccinating dogs is very much lower than the cost of treating people after they have been bitten,” Dr Bernard Vallat, OIE Director General explains.
Read more ...
