The Canadian Rabies Management Plan: An integrated approach to the coordination of rabies activities in Canada

Although human cases of rabies are exceptionally rare in Canada, rabies remains endemic in some animal populations thus creating the need for ongoing vigilance. Rabies has always been a shared responsibility among local, provincial/territorial and federal authorities, as reflected in the 2009 Canadian Rabies Management Plan. Since 2009, a number of changes in rabies management have occurred, including the development of new tests, an oral rabies vaccine for wildlife, lessons learned from recent animal cases and changes in federal, provincial and territorial responsibilities in 2014. Federal departments and agencies continue to support rabies management through a number of activities. As the rabies landscape continues to evolve, so too must the strategies and frameworks required to manage this disease. As a result, the Canadian Rabies Management Plan and the North American Rabies Management Plan are being revised.