Rabies control and animal welfare

摘要

The welfare of animals in countries in which rabies is endemic is frequently ignored. This is largely because of the gravity of the human health problem, and this, combined with ignorance of the best methods for controlling the disease and hence protecting human health, can, and often does, result in extreme animal suffering. The disease itself causes great suffering in animals, including farm animals, wildlife, cats and dogs, as it does in humans. The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) guidelines on stray control lay down practical and humane ways of controlling rabies in the stray and owned dog population. One of the problems that needs to be overcome is the attitude of the authorities; veterinary services, national and local competent authorities and police; towards stray animals, both cats and dogs. It is important that these authorities are persuaded of the need for a holistic approach to dog control rather than proposing the slaughter of dogs as the only solution. A vaccination programme for animals, particularly dogs, is a vitally important control measure, and, although it may appear expensive at the time, it will eventually prove to be economically beneficial. This paper will demonstrate how changing the socioeconomic and public health attitude towards rabies control and, in some instances eradication, can be achieved. Controlling and eradicating rabies is not impossible and, if achieved, will have enormous economic as well as human and animal health benefits.