"With launch of the IRT, it is an opportune time to formalise our relationship."

New plan will contribute to global efforts to combat canine rabies

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) and UK-based charity Mission Rabies have agreed to collaborate on a joint action plan that will take a research-driven One Health approach towards eliminating dog bite-transmitted rabies.

The organisations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will also see The WSAVA become an observer of the International Rabies Taskforce (IRT), which aims to help governments to plan and grow practical, effective rabies elimination strategies.

The WSAVA joins a number of organisations, including the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), who share the IRT’s goal of eliminating human deaths due to canine-mediated rabies by 2030.

Representing more than 200,000 veterinary surgeons globally, the WSAVA raises awareness of important issues affecting companion animal care worldwide. It has worked with Mission Rabies on a variety of projects for the past several years, through its charitable foundation, The WSAVA Foundation.

Its annual ‘Fun(d) Run’, takes place during WSAVA World Congress and raises funds that support multiple projects run by Mission Rabies, including mass dog vaccinations, community education campaigns and improved surveillance in global rabies hotspots.

Speaking on their collaboration, honorary treasurer of The WSAVA and trustee of mission rabies, Professor Michael Day said: “With launch of the IRT, it is an opportune time to formalise our relationship so that we can work together to maximise the involvement of our small animal veterinary community in this major global push to eliminate canine rabies.”

Image (c) WSAVA.