Rabies: A comprehensive review from a veterinary public health and epidemiological perspective

Abstract

Rabies is a fatal viral zoonosis of major global public health concern (WHO, 2023) [3]. Rabies virus primarily affects mammals and is responsible for tens of thousands of human deaths each year, mostly in Asia and Africa (CDC, 2022) [1]. Veterinary public health plays a critical role in surveillance, control, and prevention of rabies transmission at the animal-human interface (WOAH, 2021) [4]. The disease remains endemic in many low- and middle-income countries due to gaps in vaccination coverage, poor surveillance, and limited access to post-exposure prophylaxis (WHO, 2023) [3]. This review provides updated insights into the etiology, epidemiology, transmission, clinical features, diagnosis, and preventive strategies of rabies, with emphasis on future prospects within veterinary public health.