World Rabies Day, which is observed annually, is celebrated to increase awareness and highlight the progress made in eliminating this terrible disease. The anniversary of Louis Pasteur’s passing, a French microbiologist and chemist, is also celebrated on 28 September.

The most fatal infectious viral disease is Rabies. It is usually caused by a virus that causes the body to produce antibodies. This preventable disease is still a problem in some African and Asian countries. It needs to be addressed by both the veterinary and medical professions. The 2016 theme was Educate. Vaccinate. Eliminate.