Rabies Control & Stray Dogs

According to the Rabies Vaccination website, to effectively control the rabies virus in a community with a large number of stray dogs, a large number of the dog population must be vaccinated against the virus. Vaccination reduces the amount of contact between rabid and susceptible animals.

  1. Rabies

    • According to information from the Georgia Department of State, rabies is a viral infection transmitted between animals through saliva. Rabies is found in warm-blooded animals, such as humans, pets and livestock.

    History

    • A widespread program was introduced in the U.S. during the 1940s to reduce the impact of rabies in humans and pet animals. This program combined vaccination of animals and the removal of stray dogs from communities.

    Control

    • The Alaska Department of Public Health explains that the overflow of the rabies virus into domestic animals can be reduced by vaccinating wild animals against the virus. Establishing a local animal control department responsible for the control of stray dogs is an effective way of controlling rabies in stray dogs, according to the Georgia Department of State.