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Coordination of Rabies Research

The United Against Rabies Forum supports research coordination by linking partners to existing guidance, networks and published evidence. The aim is alignment with global standards, improved visibility of ongoing work, and reduced duplication.

Rabies Partnership Map
Scientific Watch Bulletin on Rabies

Align with existing priorities and guidance

Rabies research priorities are already defined in global frameworks and technical standards, as well as in regional and national strategic plans. These documents should guide research design and ensure alignment with national, regional and global elimination goals.

© Tarryn Hatchett

Review existing research and avoid duplication

The Scientific Watch Bulletin on Rabies compiles newly published peer-reviewed literature each month. Reviewing recent publications helps ensure that new studies build on current evidence and do not repeat recently completed work. Researchers are encouraged to consult the current literature before initiating new studies.

Certain research areas are already supported by substantial methodological guidance and technical documentation. Before initiating new studies in the following areas, existing guidance and recommendations should be reviewed.

Dog population estimation

A lack of precise dog population estimates should not delay the initiation of mass dog vaccination campaigns. Existing methods are sufficient to initiate programme planning and vaccination campaigns. Population estimates can be refined through post-vaccination surveys and operational monitoring.

References

Human to Dog Ratio and Dog Population Estimate Repository
Methodologies for Dog Population Estimation
Webinar: ‘How Many Dogs Are There? Practical Methods for Dog Population Estimation’

Oral Rabies Vaccination

For oral rabies vaccination (ORV) in dogs, most fundamental technical questions have already been addressed. The primary barriers are regulatory approval, licensing, procurement and implementation rather than additional methodological research.

References

ORV recommendations for field applications and integration into dog rabies control programmes
Webinar: ‘Oral Rabies Vaccination’
Dog Oral Rabies Vaccine Manual

Post-vaccination serology in dogs

Routine serological monitoring in the context of mass dog vaccination is not recommended. Where high-quality vaccines are used, vaccination teams are appropriately trained and the cold chain is maintained, serological testing adds cost without being necessary for programme decision-making.

References

WHO Expert Consultation on Rabies
Dog vaccination – barriers and solutions
Webinar: ‘Maximising impact: overcoming resource wastage in mass dog vaccination’

Find partners and technical networks

The Rabies Partnership Map can be used to identify organisations active in specific countries or thematic areas.

The United Against Rabies Forum can also facilitate links to relevant technical networks and partners, supporting methodological consistency, quality assurance and alignment with national programmes.

The United Against Rabies Forum does not review proposals or fund research; its role is to facilitate coordination across the rabies community.

Please contact us to request connections to relevant partners.

List of Reference Laboratories and Networks