Bhutan eliminates dog-transmitted human rabies

Bhutan has become the first country in the World Health Organization’s South-East Asia Region to eliminate dog-transmitted human rabies as a public health problem. The nation has recorded no deaths from dog-mediated rabies since June 2023.

This achievement is the result of over a decade of integrated efforts, including dog vaccination, population management, disease surveillance, and collaboration between veterinarians, health workers, and local communities. To prevent the disease from returning, Bhutan will maintain mass dog vaccinations, population management, and human and animal health surveillance. Additionally, the country will continue to provide free access to treatment for possible rabies exposure across all 20 districts and strengthen cooperation with neighboring Indian states.