Animal Rabies Vaccination

Words: 2070
Pages: 9

Worldwide, over 90% of human deaths related to rabies are caused by dog bites. The incidence of rabies in the United States, and other developed countries, has been reduced vastly, but in developing countries, rabies is still a significant health concern. In developed countries, methods such as mass vaccination of all animals, reduction of wild animal population, preventative rabies vaccination in at risk humans, and educational programs have been used successfully to reduce the incidence of infection. Higher incidence and lower prevention success rates in developing countries is due to a number of factors. A prevention protocol needs to be specifically developed for these areas of high incidence to regain control of the virus. As the protocol is implemented and the number of incidences is collected, changes may be made to make the protocol as effective as possible.

1. Introduction

Rabies is one of the oldest clinically recognized
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If possible, animals should be spayed and neutered to decrease reproduction and population growth. Owners should confine pets and not allow them to roam freely and be at risk for contracting rabies virus. Shelters may be started for stray animals if there is sufficient area, veterinary services, supplies, and potential owners. If any animal is thought it have rabies, it should be euthanized or quarantined for ten days.
People living in high incidence areas need to be educated on the rabies virus. Transmission, symptoms, vaccine protocols, and repercussions of reluctance to adhere to protocols should be discussed. People can be educated in various ways such as, educational handouts, videos, lectures, and events. Education is the key to preventing the incidence of rabies virus.
This protocol will be implemented in a developing country that has a high incidence of rabies and has not had any intervention in an effort to control the disease