In many developed countries rabies is a forgotten disease, a far-off, long ago threat that had something to do with mad dogs and foaming at the mouth. But in many developing countries that threat is real and daily and terrifying. A few facts. Rabies is the only known disease that is 100% fatal following the onset of clinical symptoms. Rabies is present on every continent on Earth but today 95% of victims come from Africa and Asia. In India, 84% of victims are from the rural poor, those who least have access to palliative care that can make their final hours less agonising. Most of the victims are children. The second most vulnerable group are young men – often the breadwinners for their families. The victims suffering and their families’ grief is made worse because rabies is 100% preventable. Overwhelmingly, (95%) human cases are the result of a bite from an infected dog but dogs too are victims. In rabies endemic areas, people’s morbid fear of being exposed to the disease regularly results in indiscriminate, often inhumane culls – clubbing, electrocution, poisoning are common. World experts agree that culling does not prevent rabies. - But canine vaccination does. In fact, many foresee global elimination as a very real possibility. Vaccination rates in dogs of at least 70% stops the virus at source, saves lives and enables people and dogs to enjoy companionship without fear. Me and My Dog is a photo campaign run by the GARC in which people shared a photo of themselves with their dog, and a short story or comment if they choose to. The idea is to emphasise the mutual benefits to people and animals of vaccinating dogs in rabies endemic areas. You can see the heartwarming collection of hundreds of photos so far here https://rabiesalliance.org/meandmydog Its not too late to share your picture or help raise awareness by sharing with your network. To help raise the profile of a disease too soon forgotten - post a picture to facebook/GlobalAllianceforRabiesControl - tweet a picture using #TogetherAgainstRabies, or - share at https://meandmydog.rabiesalliance.org If youre in the UK, you can also donate £5 (enough to vaccinate 3 dogs) to GARC supported dog vaccination program in Sorsogon, the Philippines by texting VACC14 to 70070.
Posted on: Tue, 21 Oct 2014 12:20:09 +0000
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