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Canine rabies is a major problem in Myanmar and the government aims to raise awareness among the population, encouraging them to seek medical attention for dog bites and to have their dogs vaccinated in an attempt to improve the situation.
Myanmar has a human population of 60 million and a canine population of 4 million. An estimated 600 000 dog bites are sustained annually resulting in 1000 human deaths from rabies virus infection. Unconfirmed media reports suggest that around 75% of stray dogs in the country have rabies; official figures are not available.
At present some municipal authorities in the larger cities use regular culling to control the stray dog population. Reportedly, Yangon City Development Committee cull approximately 2500 dogs per month.
(Via IRIN - accessed 20/01/14)
Myanmar is a high risk destination for rabies, travellers should be advised to avoid all contact with animals and report any bites for medical assessment as soon as possible. Rabies pre-exposure vaccine should be recommended for those at risk.
