National rabies project coordinator
The project coordinator may be designated within the Ministry of Agriculture or Health, and will need training in:
Project/people management/coordination (including training of key personnel)
All aspects of rabies epidemiology and control programmes
Collection/analysis of basic epidemiological data
Budgeting and accounting
Procurement of vaccines, consumables and capital equipment
Preparation, analysis and interpretation of reports
Epidemiological investigation of human and canine rabies
Exchange of information and coordination of rabies control activities between human and animal health sectors
Veterinary staff
Veterinarians require training in:
Diagnosis of clinical signs of rabies and appropriate response, as described here
Evaluation, examination and disposal of animals (e.g. observation of biting behaviors in suspected rabid animals or immediate euthanasia as described here and here)
Collection of animal diagnostic samples, packaging and submission to diagnostic laboratory for testing, as described here
Delivery of key messages to dog owners on responsible ownership
Vaccination (see animal vaccinators below)
Justification for population management and humane methods of dog capture, euthanasia (e.g. suspect rabid animals based on bite history and clinical signs) and reproductive control (surgical sterilization) including anaesthesia, analgesia and post-operative care, as described here and here
Accurate recording of veterinary data
Veterinary legislation (including notification) and zoo-sanitary requirements for animal movements, as described in the legislation section
Their role in related public health issues to reinforce exchange of information between human and animal health sector (monitoring of biting animals, timely testing of samples and reporting of results to medical officials)
Epidemiological investigation of human and canine rabies
Animal vaccinators
Vaccinators (e.g. veterinarians, paravets, livestock officers, agricultural extension officers, animal health workers, veterinary assistants, veterinary students, community assistants and volunteers) will need to be trained in:
Advertising techniques including information/motivation of local communities, as described here
Standardized data collection methods (e.g. owner/dog information registration) and completion of certificates
Handling and care of veterinary equipment
Humane methods of dog capture/restraint for vaccination. Click here to access the protocol.
Knowledge of current vaccine protocols and the OIE’s currently recommended animal vaccines for parenteral (click here for more information) and oral (click here for more information) use. This is critical since in some areas outdated and ineffective vaccines are still being used, which will jeopardize programmes and demotivate personnel.
Vaccine storage and administration. Click here to access the protocol, and consider using the Animal Handling and Vaccinators Course, part of the Rabies Education Platform.
- Photo courtesy of Serengeti Carnivore Disease Project
Dog vaccination protocols for any given strategy (i.e. fixed vaccination posts, mobile clinics or house-to-house) and delivery method (i.e. parenteral and oral vaccination) used, as described here
Animal marking methods, described here
Follow-up data collection (e.g. for estimation of vaccination coverage)
Community Coordinators
Community coordinators can be rabies reference points for their community and help the community work together with rabies control programmes to ensure vaccination programmes are successful. They should receive training in:
Basic rabies awareness
How to support rabies vaccination campaign efforts. See the GARC rabies education platform for more details on the Community Coordinator for Rabies Certificate (CCC) course
Managers and staff of animal shelters (including volunteers)
Animal shelter staff should be trained in:
Procedures for dog care and husbandry
Handling of dogs
Monitoring of health and provision of required veterinary treatments
Procedures for rehoming, sterilization and humane euthanasia
Record keeping and reporting to authorities
Vaccination support personnel and drivers, animal welfare inspectors (e.g. wardens and animal control officers)
Support personnel must be trained in:
Education of the public and enforcement of relevant animal health and welfare legislation/regulations
Handling and care of veterinary equipment
Animal marking methods
Information/motivation of local communities
Dog traders and meat handlers
Meat handlers such as slaughterhouse workers, meat packers and processors (for countries where applicable), should be trained in:
Safe handling of dogs
Risks involved when catching, transporting and slaughtering dogs, described here
Technical staff in rabies vaccine laboratories
If vaccine production has to be carried out locally, staff should be trained in:
Published guidelines on vaccine testing provided here
Ecological survey personnel
Survey personnel should be trained in:
Dog census techniques, described here
Administrative and clerical staff
Administrative staff should be trained in:
Procurement of equipment and consumables
Data entry and database management
5.3.1. Rabies surveillance