Bhutan reaches WHO milestone on dog-transmitted human rabies

The World Health Organization announced on September 4 that it had validated Bhutan for eliminating dog-transmitted human rabies. The recognition marks a national public-health milestone.

The announcement concerns the specific route of transmission named by WHO. It should not be read as a claim that every form of rabies has disappeared, or that animal bites no longer require medical attention.

WHO said Bhutan had maintained zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies since June 2023. The programme combines dog vaccination, surveillance and cooperation between human and animal health authorities.