Rabies is a viral disease that is transmitted from the saliva of any mammal, but mainly through dog bites. It is invariably fatal in both humans and mammals. It is reported worldwide that approximately 45% of rabies deaths occur in Asia, with dog bites accounting for 96% of human rabies cases worldwide.

The virus, in general, spreads through bites, scratches and licking of mucus membrane or an open wound. In Sri Lanka, the majority of the cases are from dog bites followed by cat bites/scratches.

 Last year 320,000 dog bites were reported in Sri Lanka and 43 people died of rabies, and 20,000 in Zambia and 40 people died of rabies.

By vaccinating a minimum of 70% of free roaming animals in an area you achieve is known as herd immunity, a form of indirect protection from infectious disease that occurs when a large percentage of a population has become immune to an infection, thereby providing a measure of protection for individuals who are not immune.