World Rabies Day is on 28 September every year. It raises awareness that rabies can be prevented, and pushes for the goal of no human deaths from dog-bite rabies by 2030.
This year
| Year | Date | Theme |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Monday, 28 September | Stronger Together |
| 2027 | Tuesday, 28 September | Not announced yet |
The Global Alliance for Rabies Control says the 2026 theme means that “rabies elimination is only possible when we work together”.
Why 28 September
28 September is the anniversary of the death of Louis Pasteur. Pasteur was the French scientist who developed the first rabies vaccine. The Global Alliance for Rabies Control coordinates the day, and it has been marked since 2007.
Why it matters
- Rabies kills about 44,000 people a year worldwide, and this is likely an undercount (WHO).
- In up to 99% of human cases, a dog passed on the virus (WHO).
- Once symptoms appear, rabies is “virtually 100% fatal” (WHO). It can be prevented if the right care starts in time after a bite.
- India has about 36% of the world’s human deaths from dog-bite rabies (WHO India, 2021).
What India does on the day
- The national plan: On World Rabies Day 2021, India launched the National Action Plan for Dog Mediated Rabies Elimination by 2030 (NAPRE). Its goal is zero human deaths from dog-bite rabies by 2030. The Health Ministry runs it with the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
- Notifiable disease: Rabies has been declared a notifiable disease. Health professionals must report cases to the authorities.
- AWBI: The Animal Welfare Board of India issues a circular each year asking for the day to be observed. In 2026 it asked local bodies, departments and animal welfare organisations to hold anti-rabies vaccination camps for community and pet dogs. See Observance of World Rabies Day – in the Library.
- On the ground: veterinary colleges, schools and health departments hold awareness talks and dog vaccination camps. See the news below.
What you can do
- After any dog or animal bite: wash the wound with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes, then go to a health centre the same day for the rabies vaccine. Step-by-step help: What to do after a dog bite in India.
- Vaccinate your dog every year, and ask your local body about vaccination for community dogs.
- Join or support a vaccination camp near you. Find animal welfare organisations and government veterinary hospitals in the Directory.
- Share correct information: no home remedies on a bite wound, and finish the full vaccine course.
Questions and answers
Related on Animal Writes
- Guide: What to do after a dog bite in India
- Library: Observance of World Rabies Day – (AWBI)
- News: States, local bodies advised to observe World Rabies Day on 28th September; World Rabies Day celebrated at KCVAS with awareness drive and vaccination camp
- Category: Rabies and Public Health
- Directory: government veterinary hospitals and animal welfare organisations
This guide is general information, not medical advice. After a bite, see a doctor.
By Animal Writes
