Practical advice for avoiding rabies and getting prompt care after exposure

Resource-efficient schedule: 0.1 mL ID at 2 sites on Days 0, 3, 7 (Category II/III exposures). Add RIG for Category III. Do not give RIG after Day 7.

World Health Organization

If a healthy dog/cat/ferret can be observed for 10 days or the animal can be tested quickly, public health may advise deferring or discontinuing PEP if the animal stays healthy/tests negative. Wildlife and unknown animals usually require PEP.

CDC

CDC

• Vaccinate dogs/cats starting at ~12 weeks, then boosters per product/local law.
• Sustained ≥70% dog vaccination coverage is the key threshold for breaking transmission in communities.
• Spay/neuter programs reduce roaming and aggression, decreasing bite incidents.
• Animal control programs should include vaccination clinics and public education.
• Community education increases responsible pet ownership and timely veterinary care.

WHO Apps

Pre-Travel Preparation

• Research rabies risk at your destination using CDC travel health notices.
• Consider pre-exposure prophylaxis if traveling to high-risk areas for extended periods.
• Consult a travel medicine specialist 4-6 weeks before departure.
• Ensure routine vaccinations are up-to-date before travel.
• Purchase travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and rabies treatment.

During Travel Precautions

• Avoid contact with all mammals, including pets and wildlife, in rabies-endemic areas.
• Do not feed or handle stray animals, no matter how friendly they appear.
• Supervise children closely—they are more likely to approach animals and less likely to report bites.
• Avoid caves where bats may roost, especially in Southeast Asia and Latin America.
• Use bed nets in basic accommodations to prevent bat bites while sleeping.

High-Risk Destinations

Over 95% of human rabies deaths occur in Asia and Africa. Highest risk countries include:

• India (accounts for ~36% of global rabies deaths)
• Pakistan and Bangladesh
• Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries
• Most African countries, particularly in rural areas
• Some parts of Latin America and the Caribbean

CDC Travel Health

High-Risk Professions

• Veterinarians, animal technicians, and wildlife biologists
• Animal control officers and shelter workers
• Laboratory workers handling rabies virus or specimens
• Spelunkers (cave explorers) and bat researchers
• Forest rangers, wildlife officers, and trappers
• Postal workers and delivery personnel in rural areas

Occupational Prevention Strategies

• Pre-exposure vaccination is recommended for all high-risk professions.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling animals.
• Implement engineering controls like animal restraint devices and barriers.
• Report all animal bites or exposures immediately to supervisors.
• Maintain vaccination records and ensure timely booster doses.
• Participate in regular rabies prevention training and drills.

See our personal & family safety practices guide for at-home and outdoor precautions, and our emergency response steps for what to do if an exposure happens despite precautions.

Employer Responsibilities

• Provide pre-exposure vaccination at no cost to employees.
• Develop and implement exposure control plans.
• Ensure access to post-exposure prophylaxis through occupational health.
• Maintain supplies of PPE and proper waste disposal systems.
• Encourage reporting without fear of reprisal.

OSHA/NIOSH Guidelines