A report by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control has revealed that nearly 59,000 people succumb to rabies transmitted by dogs every year. Among the people suffering from rabies, the individuals residing in the poorer regions are the worst affected.

The report authors have said that there is a need to do more to vaccinate dogs, especially in low-income countries. Also, it is very important to provide vaccines for bite victims at affordable prices. So many people unnecessarily die of rabies when it is almost 100% preventable.

The report has mentioned that the infection can be present in all mammals, but more than 99% of all human deaths from rabies are attributable to bites of domestic dogs.

Rabies has been completely eliminated from dog population in most developed countries. However, many developing countries are still struggling to deal with rabies infection which is still present in domestic dogs.

The report has estimated that rabies everyday claims lives of nearly 160 people every day. Majority of rabies deaths takes place in Asia. India accounts for 35% of human rabies deaths, more than any other country.

The report has showed that dog vaccination is almost all countries in Africa and Asia happens at a much lower rate than what is required to control the disease.

Vaccination of dogs is the best and the most cost-effective way to prevent canine rabies. Efforts should also be made to ensure that vaccines are available to everyone.

"Collaborative investments by medical and veterinary sectors could dramatically reduce the current large, and unnecessary, burden of rabies on affected communities. Improved surveillance is needed to reduce uncertainty in burden estimates and to monitor the impacts of control efforts", the authors wrote.