Combatting rabies outbreaks in Vietnam: High time to enforce restrictions on dog meat farming, a key source of transmission
Nguyen Khoi Quan, Andrew W. Taylor‐Robinson
Abstract
• Farming dogs for meat in Vietnam faces increased social scrutiny • In 2024 there has been a marked spike in incidence of rabies following dog bites • This appears linked to the release of rabid dogs from farms and slaughterhouses • Implementing a One Health strategy is crucial to protecting public health • Hanoi is leading on efforts to prevent rabies transmission from rabid dogs In Vietnam, farming dogs for meat is not illegal but is increasingly marginalized as dog meat consumption comes under heightened social scrutiny. This loosely regulated practice likely increases the risk of rabies transmission to humans. At a time when human-wildlife conflict has become a major discussion point for global health, stray dogs escaping or being deliberately released from dog farms is a cause for serious concern. The first half of 2024 saw a significant spike in incidence of human rabies cases, occurring in not just rural hot spots but also urban conurbations. Bites from rabid feral dogs are the primary source of infection, the distribution of which often clusters in the vicinity of battery farms or slaughter houses that have recently downscaled or closed their business. Addressing this risk requires pursuing a One Health strategy that focuses on catching and euthanizing rabid dogs, vaccinating healthy dogs, implementing safety measures during dog slaughtering, and regulating dog meat trade. By robust enforcement of this comprehensive plan, it is hoped to prevent rabies outbreaks and protect public health. Already, Hanoi is taking a lead in introducing measures to avert a rabies crisis in the Vietnamese capital.