Each year, the VVMA partners with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) to sponsor a statewide rabies awareness effort. This year, September 22-28, 2025 has been designated as
Rabies Awareness Week.

Download the official 2024 Rabies Awareness Week
poster below and promote it in your practice!

DOWNLOAD FLYER

Rabies, at a glance:

  • Rabies is a vaccine-preventable viral disease which occurs in more than 150 countries and territories
  • Dogs are the main source of human rabies deaths, contributing up to 99% of all rabies transmissions to humans
  • Interrupting transmission is feasible through vaccination of dogs and prevention of dog bites
  • Globally rabies causes an estimated cost of US$ 8.6 billion per year
  • 40% of people bitten by suspect rabid animals are children under 15 years of age
  • Immediate, thorough wound washing with soap and water after contact with a suspect rabid animal is crucial and can save lives
  • Engagement of multiple sectors and One Health collaboration including community education, awareness programs and vaccination campaigns are critical
  • WHO leads the collective “United Against Rabies” to drive progress towards "Zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030"


World Rabies Day is held on September 28th every year with hundreds of thousands of people organizing or participating in events and activities to celebrate rabies prevention efforts and unite against rabies.

Whether you’re a veterinarian, a medical professional, a teacher, a dog-lover or even someone who just cares about your community, it is a chance to organize or take part in an event that raises awareness about rabies and its prevention.

For the first time in its 19-year history, 2025’s theme does not include the word "rabies", showing how well-established this movement has become. Whether you are an individual, part of an organization, or a decision-maker, the time to act is today.

  • You – Take action in your personal life: vaccinate your dog, educate yourself about how to prevent rabies and Pre- and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, or advocate for better policies.
  • Me – Lead by example: inspire others, train professionals, or support rabies elimination efforts in your community.
  • Community – Work together: organize vaccination campaigns, educate learners and their families, and push for stronger rabies elimination programs.

This year, let us all take responsibility, work together, and drive real change!

Global Alliance For Rabies Control (GARC)



Virginia Department of Health (VDH) - Rabies Fact Sheet
Virginia Department of Health (VDH) - Rabies Control
VVMA - Rabies Awareness Video
VVMA - Rabies Awareness Podcast featuring Dr. Julia Murphy
GARC - Global Alliance for Rabies ControlWHO - World Health Organization
AVMA - Rabies: Simple Steps Save Lives Video
AVMA - Rabies Pamphlet
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) - World Rabies Day
US Department of Agriculture (USDA) - National Rabies Management Program

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