Map Of Rabies Free Countries and Territories

The map above shows the countries where rabies can’t be found. And although made fun of in the Office, the CDC states that: “Every year, rabies kills 70,000 people worldwide.”

Moreover, “Each year 60,000 Americans receive medical care following a potential rabies exposure.” (although fewer than 10 American die of it each year).

Rabies free countries include:

Africa

• Cape Verde
• Mayotte
• Ceuta
• Réunion
• Saint Helena

Americas

• Falkland Islands
• Galápagos Islands
• South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

Asia and the Middle East

• Bahrain
• British Indian Ocean Territory
• Hong Kong
• Japan
• Macau SAR
• Maldives
• Singapore

Europe

• Andorra
• Austria
• Azores
• Belgium
• Canary Islands
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Faroe Islands
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Gibraltar
• Greece
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Luxembourg
• Madeira
• Malta
• Monaco
• Netherlands
• Norway (except Svalbard)
• Portugal
• San Marino
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom

Oceania

• Easter Island
• American Samoa
• Australia
• Christmas Island
• Cocos (Keeling) Islands
• Cook Islands
• Fiji
• French Polynesia
• Guam
• Kiribati
• Marshall Islands
• Micronesia
• Nauru
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand
• Niue
• Norfolk Island
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Palau
• Pitcairn Islands
• Samoa
• Solomon Islands
• Tokelau
• Tonga
• Tuvalu
• Vanuatu
• Wake Island

Antarctica

• Antarctica

How have countries eliminated rabies?

Eliminating rabies in a country typically involves a combination of comprehensive and coordinated public health strategies.

These strategies are designed to prevent transmission, control the disease in animal reservoirs, and protect humans from exposure.

Here’s how countries have successfully eliminated rabies:

1. Mass Vaccination of Dogs

• Why: Dogs are the primary reservoir for rabies in many regions, responsible for the majority of human cases.
• How:
  • High-coverage vaccination campaigns targeting at least 70% of the dog population.
  • Vaccination is sustained annually to maintain herd immunity.
  • Identification and registration of dogs for better management.

2. Public Awareness and Education

• Why: Educating the public helps reduce human exposure and encourages responsible pet ownership.
• How:
  • Awareness campaigns to teach people about rabies risks, prevention, and what to do after a bite.
  • Encouraging immediate medical care and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) after suspected rabies exposure.

3. Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

• Why: Timely PEP effectively prevents the onset of rabies in exposed humans.
• How:
  • Free or subsidized access to rabies immunoglobulin and vaccines.
  • Training healthcare providers to identify potential exposures and administer PEP appropriately.

4. Stray Dog Population Management

• Why: Stray dogs often act as reservoirs and vectors for rabies transmission.
• How:
  • Humane capture, vaccination, and sterilization programs (e.g., trap-neuter-vaccinate-release).
  • Encouraging adoption to reduce stray populations.

5. Strengthened Surveillance Systems

• Why: Effective rabies control requires identifying and responding to outbreaks promptly.
• How:
  • Monitoring and reporting rabies cases in animals and humans.
  • Laboratory confirmation of suspected rabies cases.
  • Coordinating with veterinary and public health authorities.

6. Elimination of Rabies in Wildlife (if applicable)

• Why: In some regions, wildlife (e.g., foxes, raccoons, bats) is the primary reservoir.
• How:
  • Oral rabies vaccination (ORV) campaigns using vaccine baits distributed in affected areas.
  • Habitat management and reducing wildlife-human contact.

7. Legal and Policy Frameworks

• Why: Supportive laws ensure effective implementation and enforcement.
• How:
  • Mandating dog vaccination and registration.
  • Enforcing leash laws and restrictions on pet movement.
  • Prohibiting the importation of unvaccinated animals.

8. International Collaboration

• Why: Rabies can re-enter a country through cross-border movements.
• How:
  • Cross-border vaccination campaigns.
  • Sharing surveillance data with neighboring countries.
  • Adhering to global guidelines (e.g., WHO, OIE, and FAO).

Examples of Successful Elimination:

• Europe: Countries like Switzerland and the UK eliminated rabies through dog vaccination, ORV campaigns for wildlife, and strict animal import regulations.
• Japan: Eliminated rabies by mandating universal dog vaccination and establishing a rabies-free status for animal imports.
• United States: Eliminated canine rabies through mass vaccination, but wildlife rabies still exists, requiring continued ORV efforts.

Enjoy this map please help us by sharing it: