Oral vaccination of dogs against rabies: Recommendations for field application and integration into dog rabies control programmes

Overview

This technical report replaces or supersedes issue-related contents in previous WHO foundational documents on oral rabies vaccination (ORV) of dogs (see the Preamble). In contrast to the 2007 WHO recommendations. this report will shift focus from the development of suitable vaccines and baits for dogs towards providing guidance for practical implementation of ORV as a tool integrated into national strategies to control rabies in dog populations. This report therefore mainly addresses basic regulatory considerations for licensing and selection of appropriate oral vaccine candidates, logistics, distribution strategies in the field, communication, activities to be implemented in relation to ORV campaigns, and monitoring of campaigns.

It should be emphasised that it is impossible to establish a universally valid and applicable blueprint for the integration of ORV into national strategies for the control of canine rabies. This is not least due to country-specific circumstances, including sociocultural aspects, epidemiological situation, local dog population structures, funding and available resources. Therefore, countries should use this guiding document to find their own strategic and practical approach.