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Rabies education project reaches 10 million people
“In our project areas, these lessons have increased awareness of rabies, empowering communities with the knowledge to protect themselves” – Gareth Thomas.
WVS plans to continue expanding its education programme.

The charity Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS) had reached the landmark of providing education on rabies prevention to ten million people.

The education programme, delivered alongside a vaccination programme as part of the Mission Rabies project, has provided lessons in schools, workplaces, and community groups in rabies hotspots around the world.

Those attending the lessons have been taught about how the virus is transmitted, dog behaviour, and what to do if bitten by a dog. They’ve also been encouraged to bring dogs for vaccination and sterilisation and report animals suspected of having rabies to either local authorities or the charity’s rabies hotline.

Gareth Thomas, director of education at WVS, explained: “Rabies is always fatal once symptoms develop. Washing a wound correctly can reduce the chance of rabies transmission by a third, while receiving the correct vaccination immediately after an exposure will save a person’s life.

“In our project areas, these lessons have increased awareness of rabies, empowering communities with the knowledge to protect themselves. This is a horrible disease that takes a devastating toll on some of the poorest communities in the world, but rabies can be stopped if the risks are widely understood and people know how to treat a dog bite.”

The initiative was launched in 2013 and last year alone reached 1.4 million people. So far this year, more than 900,000 children have received lessons.

The charity is aiming to expand its education programme in India, Malawi and Cambodia, as well as delivering small proof-of-concept programmes in Tanzania, Ghana, Uganda, Sierra Leone and Mozambique.

Luke Gamble, CEO and founder of WVS, said: “Rabies kills over 59,000 people a year, the majority of whom are children. The advice given during these lessons can mean the difference between life and death.
 
“Educating ten million people is a remarkable achievement of which we are all immensely proud of. I’d like to express my deepest gratitude to our supporters, donors, volunteers, partners on the ground and local governments that we work with, and of course our dedicated education team, who are saving lives from this deadly yet entirely preventable disease.

“Together, we are making a real and lasting difference in areas impacted by rabies.”

Image © WVS

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.