Rabies in Vietnam: The importance of vaccinating pets and banning dog and cat meat trade

According to the WHO (World Health Organization), rabies still kills around 100 people in Vietnam each year. In the first 8 months of 2023, 61 deaths were recorded due to rabies, which represents an increase compared to 2022. It should be noted that the actual number is likely to be higher, as rabies is not always correctly diagnosed or reported. In up to 99% of cases, domestic dogs are responsible for rabies virus transmission to humans.

Your pet is not a threat

Our education efforts have been challenging in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. We are so lucky in Vietnam and have still managed to run a couple of classes now that we have more freedom. Some interesting new concerns have come up in our community and with our youth around animals and coronavirus.

The children at our course left feeling better that their dogs were not at risk of spreading coronavirus, and we were able to let them know that their pets are not threats. They completed a cool task online, which gives us some bright ideas for the future of our education program! Watch this space.