Rabies? Not in Mexico!
In 2019, Mexico got a big thumbs-up from the World Health Organization (WHO). They declared the country free of human rabies transmitted by dogs. Five years later, Mexico is still upholding this achievement. This is not a given. Keeping a country rabies-free is no easy task and needs continued work. Dr. Daniel Luna Rubio, state coordinator of the zoonosis program in Baja California, Mexico, tells us how his team and ours at Boehringer Ingelheim, keep working to maintain the rabies-free status in this region and the whole country. The key to success: vaccination, vaccination – and more vaccination.
Dr. Luna still remembers one of his first encounters with a rabies case…
"I remember hearing my colleague's voice, filled with concern, saying, 'He's biting everything and won't stop hurting himself,'" Dr. Luna recalls. They had just discovered that a rescued stray dog was showing symptoms of rabies and needed to be isolated. "That moment was a wake-up call. It made me realize why I've been doing this work for the last 45 years."
Mexico has been working for many years to achieve a rabies-free status. In the state of Baja California, Dr. Luna has been instrumental in maintaining this position since 1983. His team's efforts, together with our expertise and partnership with the Mexican government through the zoonosis program, which focuses on diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans and vice versa, have led to thousands of dogs being vaccinated in this region. So far this year, they’ve immunized 350,000 dogs, and about 17 million doses are applied annually in the country.
We’re proud to be part of this journey. We've been working hand-in-hand with the Mexican authorities around the country and with our distributor to provide rabies vaccines and training on their correct use and management. We organize national events, staying connected with the state coordinators and veterinarians. Our experts share their knowledge and keep reminding everyone about the importance of vaccination.
Emilia Tobias, our tech lead in Mexico, shares that the training isn’t just about preparing people for the risks of the vaccination campaign: "We're always here to help when there's confusion about the next steps, about how in practice, in the field, with all the challenges that a mass vaccination campaign can have, it’s possible to get the best out of a great vaccine. Our know-how ensures the safety of those involved in the campaigns, and the vets know they can turn to us whenever they need advice."
Creating trust by using the best tools and methods to protect dogs and cats from rabies is crucial. "We're ensuring safety, building trust, and fighting rabies. We're here to help, guide, and reassure," says Emilia.
Working across borders to beat rabies
Eliminating rabies is a global mission. As part of our commitment to sustainable development, we strive to expand access to healthcare for 50 million people in underserved communities. To prevent rabies in cats and dogs, we work to deliver on-the-ground solutions, working closely with governmental organizations and other partners.
Dr. Luna also notes how important it is to work closely with the American authorities. They've vaccinated dogs at the border and shared insights to better understand and combat the disease. "We've also worked on neutering campaigns that help control the dog population, especially stray dogs," Dr. Luna says. "We share the same goal, making the collaboration easier and more effective."
Dr. Luna stresses the significance of neutering dogs as part of rabies prevention and control. In countries with large dog populations, it is important to keep control of their health. Sterilizing dogs, along with vaccination, is an effective way of doing this.
Dr. Luna also supports his neighboring states in Mexico, providing resources when needed. "When we can, we step in and help out. Because in the end, it's not about us or them; it's about beating rabies in all of Mexico."
Rabies in wildlife
Rabies isn't just transmitted by dogs. It's a threat to wild animals too. In recent years, unvaccinated cats and wild animals, such as bats, raccoons and foxes, have increased the risk of rabies in Mexico. Wild animals are not easy to control because they’re all different species that roam free.
Bats have a strong presence in Mexico and are common in public places like parks or backyards. Animals don't understand the threat that bats pose. Cats, for example, are very curious and hunters by nature. Sometimes, they catch a bat with rabies that can't fly or escape and get infected themselves. Then, with just a single scratch, cat owners can easily contract the disease from their pets.
Dr. Luna emphasizes, "We need to make people understand that cats need the vaccine, too. It's not easy, but it's necessary."
Felines are difficult to bring to the veterinarian, and owners try to avoid causing stress to their kitty friends. Nevertheless, raising awareness among pet owners about this is equally important, and efforts to do so are a priority.
Keep going, never give up
Educating people about the importance of vaccination and regular checkups is key. In Mexico, vaccination is free twice a year during national vaccination days. The goal is to vaccinate as many dogs and cats as possible and make everyone aware of their role in keeping their pets and themselves safe.
Dr. Luna is optimistic: “The number of vaccinated dogs is increasing every year. It shows we’re on the right track. It motivates us to keep going.”
As part of our sustainability commitments, we’re dedicated to contributing to creating a rabies-free world. Our ‘Stop Rabies’ program and other initiatives have impacted thousands of lives, particularly those in underserved communities.
But we're not stopping there. "We need to keep going," says Dr. Luna. "We need to vaccinate even more animals to maintain our rabies-free status, improving human and animal health in Mexico every year. We won't stop," – and neither will we.
Dr. Luna wants to share a message with you. Click ‘play’ to find out what it is.
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