229,488 dogs vaccinated against rabies in Cambodia: UKveterinary charity delivers Asia’s largest rabies drive

229,488 dogs have been vaccinated against rabies during a two-week intensive campaign in Cambodia – Asia’s largest rabies vaccination effort. The mass drive was spearheaded by UK animal charity Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS) as part of their Mission Rabies project, in close collaboration with General Directorate of Animal Health and Production (GDAHP),
and Animal Rescue Cambodia.

Around 300 vaccination teams worked across the Provinces of Phnom Penh, Kandal, and Battambang in a united effort to protect human and animal lives. The campaign, which took place from 21st October to 4th November, integrates with Cambodia’s ‘National Strategic Plan for Rabies Control and Elimination’, of which the Dorset-based charity is a lead consultant. The 2024 drive follows on from the 2023 campaign where 74,983 dogs were vaccinated in Phnom Penh and Kandal Provinces, the first rabies vaccination project of this scale delivered in the country.

According to World Health Organisation, over 99 percent of all human rabies cases are transmitted via dog bites. Children under 15 years of age are particularly vulnerable, accounting for forty percent of global deaths. Cambodia has one of the highest rabies death rates per capita of any country in the world. If post-exposure prophylaxis is not sought by a victim of a rabid dog bite and clinical symptoms manifest, the disease is almost invariably fatal.

At its global projects, Mission Rabies aims to vaccinate 70% of the canine population, the coverage needed to eliminate the disease in dogs and prevent human deaths. Dr Luke Gamble, CEO and Founder of Worldwide Veterinary Service, tells us:

‘When we launched Mission Rabies in 2013, our goal was ambitious—to vaccinate 60,000 dogs in 30 days. Many thought it couldn’t be done, but we managed 64,000. Ten years later, we’ve just completed our second year in Cambodia, where, remarkably, we vaccinated over 82,000 dogs by day four alone. This achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our incredible team and a tribute to the veterinary profession, with vets and
nurses from around the world pouring their energy into making a profound impact. It’s no exaggeration to say this campaign will prevent around 500 children from dying of rabies over the next few years. Vaccinating 229,488 dogs in Cambodia in just two weeks is a new milestone we’re immensely proud of. It proves that with the right strategy, energy, and support, eliminating rabies is within reach. It’s a privilege to be part of this journey, and we are deeply grateful to our partners and everyone backing our mission to end human rabies deaths worldwide.’

During the two-week project, the teams travelled through the designated vaccination areas, going door-to-door to administer the vaccines. The charity’s ‘rabies app’ was used to assign areas to teams and to input information about each dog, providing valuable data insights to monitor the project’s progress.

Mission Rabies began work in Cambodia in 2019, running a pilot vaccination campaign and commencing an education programme in the capital city. Ever since, its 24-hour surveillance team has responded to reports of rabid dogs and ensured anyone bitten receives immediate post-exposure treatment. Their rabies hotline allows members of the public to report rabid dog sightings and to seek support for any rabies emergencies.

In conjunction with the vaccination drive, an education programme was conducted to raise awareness on the importance of getting dogs vaccinated, the dangers of rabies, and how to prevent the disease. This incorporated visits to schools, places of work, and key community locations.

Dr Amy Nicole Lewis, International Project Manager at Worldwide Veterinary Service, tells us:

‘The lack of awareness about this deadly disease means that many bitten individuals do not receive the post-exposure treatment they need, leaving them with no chance for survival once symptoms manifest. Tragically, children are particularly vulnerable to rabies as they are less likely to recognise the signs of rabies in dogs and are more likely to interact with or care for these animals. By achieving at least 70 percent vaccination coverage in dog populations within rabies-affected areas creates herd immunity, stopping the dogs transmitting the
disease to humans. Through large-scale vaccination, education, and rabies surveillance, we can protect so many lives and stop this deadly disease for good.’

Another element of this year’s campaign was a free dog spaying and neutering service available at the Royal University of Agriculture, with 212 animals sterilised over the two weeks. A mobile veterinary team also provided treatment for 538 sick and injured animals, responding to reports from the vaccination teams in the field.

Volunteers from 30 different countries formed a vital part of the vaccination teams on the ground, and this included the support of over 200 Cambodian veterinary students. The Management of the Faculty of Animal Production and Veterinary Medicine, National Institute of Agriculture, shared the value the campaign has for their students in the wider community:

‘As a partner with WVS on the mass dog vaccination campaign, the students of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the National Institute of Agriculture (NIA) have gained knowledge and skills in organising vaccination campaigns and administering vaccinations for dogs in the city and communities. In addition, the mass dog vaccination campaign will significantly contribute to reducing rabies risk in Phnom Penh and other targeted provinces. We hope this campaign continues its activities in Cambodia.’

Further information on Mission Rabies and how to get involved can be found at
missionrabies.com. The charity will be recruiting volunteers for the next Cambodia
vaccination drive in 2025.