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Breaking Rabies Boundaries

We all have a role to play in making positive changes to achieve what we know is possible: rabies elimination.

The Problem

Rabies, a deadly disease primarily caused by the bite from an infected dog, disproportionately affects vulnerable communities in poorer regions, especially in Asia and Africa.1

Resulting in 59,000 deaths annually, nearly half of which are children under 15.2

95% of deaths occurring in areas with inadequate resources for prevention and control.1

The global economic impact of dog-mediated rabies is estimated at $8.6 billion per year.2

Once the virus infects the central nervous system and clinical symptoms appear, rabies is fatal. Making prevention important.

Veterinarians and Dog Owners Can Make a Difference

Rabies is vaccine-preventable. Research shows that the most cost-effective, long-term rabies control strategy is through vaccination of dogs in endemic areas.2

Routine veterinary care, vaccination and community-wide awareness can help prevent rabies. Together, we can help reach the global goal of eliminating canine-mediated rabies by 2030.

United to Help Free the World of Rabies

We cannot neglect to act on rabies. Our collective actions matter if we want to correct the misconceptions around this disease and drive community engagement.

Vaccination may not protect every animal that gets vaccinated. Talk to your veterinarian to determine whether rabies vaccination is suitable for your animal.

AFYA illustration featuring three circular images of people alongside animals.

For more than 25 years, Merck Animal Health has been Breaking Rabies Boundaries through its Afya Program

In our 10-year partnership with Mission Rabies, we’ve donated over 6 million vaccines and educated over 9 million adults and children.

A One Health Approach3

Breaking Rabies Boundaries requires a One Health approach — promoting joint action across sectors to tackle the disease comprehensively:

  • Advocating for widespread dog vaccination
  • Enhancing surveillance systems
  • Promoting responsible dog ownership
  • Supporting rabies education initiatives

Sources

  1. The World Health Organization. Rabies. Accessed April 30, 2024. https://www.who.int/health-topics/rabies#tab=tab_1
  2. The World Health Organization. Rabies. Accessed April 30, 2024. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/rabies
  3. The World Health Organization. Rabies. Accessed April 30, 2024. https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/one-health