On World Rabies Day, observed every September 28, the RSCE is calling for progress toward uniform rabies vaccination across Spain, so that dogs’ protection against a preventable disease does not depend on the autonomous community where they live. Vaccination is currently mandatory for dogs in most of Spain, but Galicia and Catalonia remain the two exceptions.
"Rabies is a preventable disease, and there is a tool as effective as vaccination. That is why the organization believes it would be advisable to move toward uniform criteria throughout Spain, both to make it easier for owners to comply and to strengthen the protection of animals and public health,” the Royal Canine Society of Spain said.
A PREVENTABLE BUT DEADLY DISEASE
Rabies is also a viral disease that affects the nervous system and is transmitted mainly through the saliva of an infected animal, generally through bites or scratches. Vaccinating dogs is one of the main tools for preventing its transmission to people.
Prevention is also particularly important when traveling internationally. Dogs traveling to other countries must meet certain health requirements, including having a valid rabies vaccination when required by the applicable regulations.
WHAT TO DO AFTER POSSIBLE EXPOSURE
For this reason, the RSCE reminds the public that after a bite, scratch or contact between the saliva of a potentially infected animal and a wound or mucous membrane, the area should be washed immediately and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes, and medical attention should be sought as soon as possible.
It also recommends keeping the dog’s identification and health documentation up to date, consulting a veterinarian about the vaccination schedule applicable in each autonomous community, and finding out in advance about health requirements when traveling outside Spain with the animal.
“If we have an effective vaccine against a deadly disease, prevention should not depend on the autonomous community where the dog lives. Standardizing vaccination is a matter of animal and public health that should not be delayed any longer,” said José Miguel Doval, president of the RSCE.
