Animal Health: A critical investment for rabies control
Imagine you are enjoying a picnic with a friend by the banks of a scenic river. Suddenly you hear cries of panic and see a child floating past, struggling and flailing helplessly. Without hesitation you jump in and rescue that child. After the commotion has passed, you go back to enjoying your picnic . This newfound tranquility is short-lived, as more calls for help echo along the river. Time and again, you plunge back into the water to rescue individuals caught in the river's perilous grip.
As the day wears on and you repeatedly come to the aid of those in distress, it becomes clear that merely responding to these emergencies is a temporary solution. The underlying issue must be addressed to prevent these constant crises from occurring.
Many of you will have come across variations of this common analogy that highlights the critical importance of prevention, and no real-life example underscores this principle more poignantly than the ongoing battle against rabies. Rabies is a zoonotic viral disease resulting in about 59,000 human deaths a year globally, with most occurring in Africa and Asia. Infected dogs are responsible for its transmission to humans in over 96% of cases.
Heartbreakingly, impoverished children in Africa and Asia are common victims of this serious disease and 4 out of 10 rabies deaths are in children. Their vulnerability is not due to a lack of awareness or solutions but rather, gaps in accessibility and policy. While post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is effective in preventing deaths in people exposed to rabies, it is comparatively expensive and has no impact on the canine reservoir that is the primary source of zoonotic rabies.
Despite the grim picture, there's hope. Several countries have eradicated this deadly disease, demonstrating the feasibility of a rabies-free world. The key lies in robust vaccination campaigns for dogs, which are the primary source of human infections. When managed effectively, the ripple effects are profound. Not only is human health safeguarded, but community dogs also live longer, healthier lives, coexisting more harmoniously with humans. Scientific studies have also shown that rabies prevention with mass dog vaccination is most cost-effective in the long run.
Preventing, controlling and eliminating dog-mediated rabies requires a One Health approach at local, national and regional levels. For eradication to be possible, investment in veterinary services is paramount. It’s not merely about administering rabies vaccines but understanding and appreciating the multifaceted benefits well trained and support animal health services offer. Healthy animal populations ensure food security, sustain livelihoods, and enhance overall public health. Veterinary services, thus, are not a mere line item in budgets but a cornerstone for societal well-being.
The fight against rabies is more than just about tackling a single disease. It's a testament to the power and benefits of prevention and a call to recognise the broader advantages of investing in animal health.
Dr Max Barot Vibhani is a Research Fellow at the Nossal Institute working on One Health projects .