Organization of mass vaccination for dog rabies in Brazil

The present study reports results of the mass dog rabies vaccination campaigns that took place in Brazil between 1980 and 1985 as a measure of reducing the incidence of rabies in urban areas of the country. Particular focus is given to the organization of these campaigns, which took place on a single day in more than 1,000 towns in 20 states, including large metropolitan areas such as Rio de Janeiro. Three levels of public health services (federal, state, and municipal) were involved in the organization of these campaigns. The massive participation of the community is also emphasized. Nearly 100,000 people from different segments of the community, especially students and members of the armed forces and state military police, participated as vaccinators or in other roles on the national day of the dog rabies vaccination. Another fundamental point is the support given in the media by means of national and state broadcasts during the 2 weeks before the day of vaccination. The study shows a progressive decrease in the number of cases of rabies in dogs and in humans during the period, a decrease that can be reasonably attributed to the increase in the number of vaccinations for dog rabies. In 1980 there were reported 4,570 cases of rabies in dogs and 168 cases of rabies in humans; in 1985 the incidence was reduced to 496 and 52 cases, respectively.