World Rabies Day is 28 September, 2016, ¹ and is designed to raise awareness about the prevention and control of this neglected disease. Almost all human rabies are transmitted by domestic dog bites or scratches, usually via saliva. Rabies virus replicates in the wound site and gains access to nerves to reach the central nervous system. The incubation period varies from five days to several years. By the time of clinical onset, the virus is widely disseminated throughout the central nervous system and the infection is invariably fatal. Prevention of human rabies and control of canine rabies have been successful in north America, western Europe and a number of Asian and Latin American countries through vaccination of dogs, responsible dog ownership, enforcement of leash laws, and provision of life-saving bite treatment. Pre-exposure immunization is strongly recommended for people in high-risk occupations such as laboratory workers dealing with live rabies virus, vaccinators and people involved in any activity that might bring them professionally or otherwise into direct contact with bats, carnivores and other mammals in rabies-affected areas.