Mongabay · Climate & nature

Bhutan Recognized for Eliminating Dog-Transmitted Rabies

Bhutan has been officially recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) for eliminating dog-transmitted human rabies as a public health concern, marking a significant achievement ahead of World Rabies Day.

Bhutan is the first country in the WHO's Southeast Asia region and the second globally, after Mexico, to receive this validation. The WHO confirmed Bhutan has recorded zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies since June 2023 and has systems to prevent its re-emergence.

Globally, nearly 99% of human rabies cases are caused by infected dog bites or scratches, and the disease is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.

Bhutan's success is attributed to a comprehensive "One Health" approach, integrating animal, human, and environmental health. A 2021 Royal Decree launched a program for dog population management and rabies control, jointly implemented by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.

Field teams, veterinarians, and volunteers achieved 100% sterilization coverage of the free-roaming dog population and vaccinated over 90% against rabies, surpassing the WHO's recommended 70% threshold for breaking transmission.

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment is provided free of charge across all 20 districts, funded by the Bhutan Health Trust Fund.

The WHO Director-General congratulated Bhutan, emphasizing the link between human, animal, and environmental health. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) noted that continued vigilance, surveillance, vaccination, and cross-border collaboration are essential to maintain this status.

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