Rabies: A Hidden Threat to Livestock and Food Security
Efforts ramp up to control rabies through dog vaccinations and regional cooperation
As World Rabies Day approaches on September 28, discussions around rabies often focus on the danger to humans from dog bites. However, the disease also poses a significant threat to livestock and food security, with annual losses estimated at over $500 million. In Asia and Africa, where 95% of global rabies deaths occur, farming communities face the dual burden of human and livestock infections.
Efforts to prevent rabies are centered on dog vaccination and managing stray dog populations. Since 2019, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has supported vaccination campaigns across South Asia and Southeast Asia, including countries like Bangladesh and Indonesia, to curb rabies outbreaks. These programs are critical to saving lives, protecting livestock, and ensuring food security for vulnerable communities.
Collaboration between governments, health organizations, and municipalities remains vital in achieving the goal of "Zero by 30" – eliminating dog-mediated rabies by 2030.
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Efforts to prevent rabies are centered on dog vaccination and managing stray dog populations. Since 2019, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has supported vaccination campaigns across South Asia and Southeast Asia, including countries like Bangladesh and Indonesia, to curb rabies outbreaks. These programs are critical to saving lives, protecting livestock, and ensuring food security for vulnerable communities.
Collaboration between governments, health organizations, and municipalities remains vital in achieving the goal of "Zero by 30" – eliminating dog-mediated rabies by 2030.
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