Rabies

View the infographic based on U.S. rabies surveillance in 2020

Rabies remains a major concern worldwide, killing tens of thousands of people every year. In the United States, it's not unusual for one to two people to die annually. Among animals, there were nearly 4,500 reported cases of rabies in the U.S. in 2020.

What can YOU do? Vaccinate your animals and keep them away from wildlife that can spread the disease. Rabies is 100% preventable. According to Dr. Charles Rupprecht, former 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."

World Rabies Day: September 28

World Rabies Day, started in 2007, aims to raise awareness about the public health impact of human and animal rabies. Events to promote rabies awareness are held across the world every September 28. Visit the World Rabies Day website for information and for help in planning a World Rabies Day event.

For pet owners:

• Rabies and your pet
• View and share our video: Rabies - Simple steps save lives
  • English
  • English-captioned
  • Spanish
  • French
  • Mainland Chinese
• Understanding rabies (video series)
• Rabies education materials (Global Alliance for Rabies Control website)
• Dog bite prevention

Tools for veterinarians

• Pre-exposure rabies vaccination and titers
• Guidance for pets exposed to rabies
• Free social media images
• Client brochure: Rabies (also available in Spanish: La Rabia)
• Client brochure: Dog Bite Prevention (also available in Spanish: Prevención de Mordeduras de Perros)
• AVMA policy: Free-roaming abandoned and feral cats
• AVMA policy: Dog and cat population control

Downloadable rabies education posters

Minimize rabies exposure from wildlife	Rabies affects us all	Rabies and indoor pets	Rabies prevention