The Rabies Epidemic in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Rabies is one of the oldest and deadliest zoonotic diseases known to man, accounting for approx. 59,000 human deaths each year. The majority of deaths occur in remote, poverty-laden regions of Asia and Africa. Approx. 20-30 deaths result annually in Sri Lanka. This review evaluates the current progress and limitations of the nationally implemented rabies eradication program in Sri Lanka and compares data of the annual ‘Rabies Statistical Bulletin’ reports of 2011-2015 presented by the Public Health Veterinary Services of Sri Lanka on their official website.