Combating rabies: Current perspective

Abstract

Rabies is one of the ancient encephalomyelitis diseases affecting almost all the warm-blooded animals. It is lethal and causes thousands of deaths and economic losses annually. Bite of an infected animal remains the major cause of virus transmission. Though the first vaccine was developed long back in 1885 but rabies still remains a major problem across the continents. Rabies is a preventable disease and different technologies for its prevention and control have been developed from time to time. Its control demands one-health approach including public awareness and mass vaccination of dogs and wild life. Several new generation vaccines and other biotechnological advancements have been made for the prevention and control of rabies. In 2018, WHO has amended the prophylaxis schedule rendering it more economic and conducive. Current review discusses the various advancements and requirements for the effective prevention of rabies.