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World Rabies Day

Mark World Rabies Day this September 28th and join us in spreading awareness about rabies prevention and treatment!

Monday

September 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATESeptember 28

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYHealth Conditions

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Every year on September 28, we celebrate World Rabies Day - a day dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of this deadly disease. This global event has been observed since 2007 and is held in an effort to create a more rabies-free world. It's amazing to think that with proper education, vaccination and prevention, we can help reduce the incidence of rabies worldwide. So let's come together and spread the word about World Rabies Day!

TIMELINE

World Rabies Day Timeline

Rabies Vaccine Discovery

Louis Pasteur and Emile Roux developed the first successful vaccine for rabies.

Large-Scale Rabies Vaccination Programs

By the 1960s, many countries implemented large-scale rabies control programs, focusing on animal vaccination and population control.

World Health Assembly Resolution

The World Health Assembly adopted resolution WHA36.22, urging member states to increase control measures and reporting of rabies incidents.

First International Conference on Rabies

The World Health Organization held its first International Conference on Rabies in Geneva to encourage collaborative efforts for rabies control.

Inauguration of World Rabies Day

The Global Alliance for Rabies Control inaugurated the first World Rabies Day, aimed at spreading awareness about rabies prevention and control.

Global rabies eradication initiative

The Global Alliance launched the Zero By 30 campaign with a goal to eliminate human deaths from dog-transmitted rabies by 2030.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate World Rabies Day

Donate to a Rabies charity

Make a donation to an organization dedicated to eradicating rabies through public health education and access to veterinary care.

EDUCATE

Educate yourself and others

Learn about the importance of rabies prevention, how to recognize symptoms and how to protect yourself and your family from rabies exposure.

ORGANIZE

Organize a vaccination clinic

Organize a free or low-cost rabies vaccination clinic in your community. Work with local animal shelters, veterinarians, and public health officials to ensure that the event is successful.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer at a local animal shelter

Volunteer your time at a local animal shelter to help ensure that all animals are vaccinated against rabies and other diseases.

WRITE

Write to your legislator

Write to your elected officials asking them to support legislation that promotes access to affordable rabies vaccinations for all pets.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why World Rabies Day is Important

Promoting global education about rabies

World Rabies Day is an excellent opportunity to increase awareness about rabies and educate people around the world about how to protect themselves and their loved ones from the disease. By keeping informed and spreading knowledge, we can all do our part to make sure fewer people fall victim to this life threatening virus.

Rabies is a serious public health problem

Rabies is an often fatal viral disease that can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals. Awareness of this issue is key to reducing the spread of rabies and helping to protect people from this preventable yet deadly illness.

Vaccination of pets is important

In order to keep rabies under control, it's important for pet owners to make sure their animals are properly vaccinated. Vaccinations not only help protect our furry friends from the virus but also reduce the risk of spreading it to other animals and humans in the community.

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