World Rabies Day

September 28 is World Rabies Day, a global health observance started in 2007 to raise awareness about the burden of rabies and bring together partners to enhance prevention and control efforts worldwide. World Rabies Day is observed in many countries, including the United States.

While rabies is a 100% preventable disease, thousands of people die from the disease around the world each day. World Rabies Day is an opportunity to reflect on our efforts to control this deadly disease and remind ourselves that the fight is not yet over.

Several major health organizations, including World Health Organization (WHO), World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), have pledged to eliminate human deaths from dog-transmitted rabies by 2030.

You too can take steps to help prevent and control rabies by vaccinating your pets and learning how to stay safe from the animals that commonly spread rabies in the U.S.: raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes. Find events in your area to participate in World Rabies Day activities.

Rabies Around the World

Haitian children bring their puppies to the rabies vaccination clinic.

CDC’s Rabies Team works in many countries affected by rabies to help set up programs to control, track and prevent this disease. See examples of our work around the world.

Challenge of Rabies

While eradicating rabies may not be possible, we can prevent rabies in people and in domestic animals. Learn about the challenge of rabies around the world, the burden of rabies in the U.S. and the ways to protect yourself and others.