Rabies remains a major concern worldwide, killing more than 55,000 people every year. In the United States one to two people die annually, and in 2007 more than 7,000 U.S. cases of animal rabies were reported.
World Rabies Day, now in its second year, aims to prevent rabies in humans. The event is scheduled for Sept. 28, 2008, and U.S. experts on rabies warn that there is more reason to be vigilant this year than ever.
Due to a variety of regulatory and manufacturing issues, there is temporarily a limited supply of rabies vaccine for humans. So it’s more important than ever to vaccinate pets.
“The best way to limit the need for human rabies vaccine is simply to make sure pets are vaccinated,” according to Dr. Charles Rupprecht, chief of the rabies program at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Your local veterinarian plays a key role in controlling rabies.”
Events to promote rabies awareness are being held across the world on Sept. 28. Visit the World Rabies Day website for information about World Rabies day events near you, or help inplanning a World Rabies Day event.
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