Articles

Rabies is an ancient, fatal zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution caused by the rabies virus of the genus Lyssavirus and the family Rhabdoviridae. Humans and livestock animals are at major risk of getting rabies infection from rabid dogs, that result in thousands of deaths annually. Transmission of the virus occurs when the saliva of infected dogs enters the body through a bite. Diagnosis of the disease is done through history, clinical signs, and laboratory-based surveillance. Surveillance should not be limited to domestic animals; it must involve all the animals that have a chance of getting rabies. Rabies can be prevented by vaccinating dogs and humans before or after exposure. One Health strengthens public health by promoting vaccination, raising community awareness, responsible pet ownership, and controlling rabies through shared action among people, animals, and the environment. This article describes the etiology, role of veterinarians in disease surveillance, laboratory-based surveillance, mass dog vaccination programs, challenges in rabies control, and community awareness about rabies.