Laos offers free pet vaccinations as it steps up its fight against rabies
Lao health and agriculture ministries marked World Rabies Day in Vientiane with free pet vaccinations and a renewed goal of ending human deaths from dog-transmitted rabies by 2030.
Laos marked World Rabies Day in Vientiane Capital with free pet vaccinations and a renewed commitment to end human deaths from dog-transmitted rabies by 2030, the World Health Organization in Lao PDR reported on 6 October. The event brought together the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, village authorities, vets, health workers and students.
Vaccinating dogs stops rabies at its source
Rabies is deadly but preventable, through dog vaccination, timely treatment after exposure and public awareness. Global evidence shows that vaccinating at least 70% of dogs in at-risk communities can stop the virus spreading. In Laos, gaps in dog vaccination, low awareness in some communities and coordination challenges still leave people and animals at risk.
“Vaccinating dogs is the most effective way to stop rabies at its source.” — Dr Souphavanh Keovilay, Deputy Director General, Department of Livestock and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment
Health and animal services working together
Officials stressed the One Health approach, which links human, animal and environmental health. Laos is strengthening surveillance, access to treatment after bites, and dog vaccination. The Food and Agriculture Organization and partners are also helping the government revise its national rabies plan for 2026 to 2030.
"No one should die from rabies," said Vice Minister of Health Dr Phayvanh Keopaseuth. WHO's Dr Satoko Otsu said everyone bitten by a suspected rabid animal should have access to the information and care they need.
What pet owners can do
Officials said everyone has a role to play, from vaccinating pets and practising responsible ownership to making sure people exposed to a suspected rabid animal get care in time. Rural Laos has seen other development support recently, such as new irrigation and roads in Luang Prabang and Oudomxay.
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