Epidemiology of rabies

In developed countries most cases of rabies are seen in wildlife. In many less industrialized countries rabies is seen in dogs especially where there is a large population of ownerless dogs.

In the USA 93% of Rabies cases reported were in wild animals (CDC, 2001). Mass parenteral vaccination programs have been effective in preventing rabies in domestic dogs. This has resulted in a marked decrease in the incidence of human rabies cases. Impressive progress has also been made in the control and elimination of wildlife rabies using oral immunization of wild carnivores.

In many less industrialized nations rabies remains a major threat to public health. Rabies is still endemic in most countries of Africa, Asia and South America. Large stray dog populations are present in many of these countries.

Rabies in India

Rabies is common in most parts of India. The dog population of India is around 25 to 30 million animals. Most of these are ownerless or stray dogs. The majority of the stray dog population is found in rural areas. These dogs play a major role in the spread of rabies.

Rabies statistics in India

• Each year approximately 7 million people undergo post exposure rabies treatment after a dog bite.
• The Association for the Prevention and Control of Rabies in India (APCRI) reported in 2004 that there were 20,565 reported human deaths over the period of one year. Due to mis-diagnosis and under-reporting the actual number of rabies deaths is believed to be higher.
• Nearly 96% of cases are due to bites from stray, ownerless, dogs.
• About 70% of the victims are children younger than 15 years.