News

Category — GS Paper 3 ///Published — 2026-09-07 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Public Health, Zoonotic Diseases, One Health Approach ///Category — GS Paper 3 ///Published — 2026-09-07 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Public Health, Zoonotic Diseases, One Health Approach ///

News · GS Paper 3

Bhutan Becomes First Country in WHO South-East Asia to Eliminate Dog-Transmitted Rabies

Bhutan has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first country in the WHO South-East Asia Region to eliminate dog-transmitted rabies as a public health problem, maintaining zero human deaths since June 2023. This success was achieved through sustained surveillance, mass vaccination campaigns, and implementation of the One Health approach, validated by WHO and World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) experts. The validation confirms that elimination requires no human deaths from dog-transmitted rabies for at least two consecutive years alongside effective prevention mechanisms.

2026-09-07

Published

—

Source

Quiz Questions

Article

Key Facts and Achievement

First in Region: Bhutan became the 1st country in the WHO South-East Asia Region to eliminate dog-transmitted rabies as a public health problem
Zero Deaths: Maintained zero human deaths from dog-transmitted rabies since June 2023 (over 2 years)
Validation Process: Assessment conducted as per WHO Expert Consultation on Rabies (2018) criteria
Expert Assessment: Validation by experts supported by WHO and World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)
Evaluation Areas: Covered surveillance systems, laboratories, records, and field implementation

About Rabies

Disease Overview

Causative Agent: Rabies virus - a neurotropic virus belonging to the Lyssavirus genus
Nature: Viral, zoonotic disease and a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD)
Effect: Affects central nervous system; leads to fatal encephalitis if untreated after symptom onset
Fatality Rate: Almost 100% fatal once clinical symptoms appear

Transmission

Primary Mode: Spread through saliva of infected animals via bites and scratches
Other Routes: Contact with broken skin or mucous membranes
Human-to-Human: Extremely rare; mainly reported through organ transplantation

Prevention and Treatment (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis - PEP)

Immediate Action: Wound washing with soap and water for 15 minutes
Vaccination: Full course of rabies vaccine
Severe Cases: Rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) or monoclonal antibodies

Clinical Symptoms

Incubation Period: Usually 2-3 months (range: 1 week to 1 year)
Two Major Forms:
Furious Rabies: Hydrophobia, hallucinations, hyperactivity, rapid death
Paralytic Rabies: Gradual paralysis, often misdiagnosed

Elimination Criteria (WHO 2018)

No human deaths from dog-transmitted rabies for at least two consecutive years
Effective surveillance systems in place
Mass vaccination and control mechanisms operational
Prevention mechanisms to prevent re-emergence

Global and Indian Context

Global Economic Burden: US$8.6 billion annually (including healthcare costs, livelihood losses, PEP expenses)
India's Burden: Significant rabies burden, largely linked to dog bites
Comparison: Bhutan's success provides a model for other developing nations

Significance of the One Health Approach

Integration of human health, animal health, and environmental sectors
Collaborative surveillance between health and veterinary authorities
Mass dog vaccination to break transmission cycle
Community engagement and awareness programs

Related Organizations

WHO: World Health Organization - sets guidelines and validates elimination status
WOAH: World Organisation for Animal Health (formerly OIE)

Key Terms for UPSC

Zoonotic Disease: Diseases transmitted between animals and humans
Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD): Group of infectious diseases prevalent in tropical regions
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): Treatment given after exposure to prevent disease
One Health Approach: Collaborative, multisectoral approach recognizing interconnection between humans, animals, and environment