Perceptions and Barriers Regarding Rabies in Cats in the Americas: An Approach From the One Health Perspective

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Public Health
• Zoonotic Disease Epidemiology
• One Health Initiative

Background:

• Rabies in cats represents an underrecognized and growing zoonotic risk across the Americas.
• Cats act as incidental hosts and potential bridges for rabies transmission between wildlife and humans.
• Current national rabies programs often exclude cats from surveillance and vaccination efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore regional perceptions of rabies in cats.
• To identify knowledge gaps and operational barriers concerning feline rabies.
• To adopt a One Health perspective for addressing this zoonotic threat.

Main Methods:

• A bilingual online survey was conducted from July to November 2025.
• The survey targeted professionals in animal health, public health, epidemiology, and rabies control.
• Data were collected from 171 respondents across 22 countries, primarily in the Americas.

Main Results:

• 81% of respondents recognized rabies in cats as an emerging issue needing regional attention.
• Key knowledge gaps identified include vaccination coverage, epidemiological surveillance, and transmission dynamics.
• Major barriers include low public awareness, inconsistent reporting, and lack of feline-specific policies.

Conclusions:

• Multisectoral approaches and policy harmonization are urgently needed for sustainable rabies prevention in cats.
• Integrating cats into national rabies programs, standardizing diagnostics, and addressing free-roaming cat populations are essential.
• Enhanced public education, feline vaccination, and inter-sectoral collaboration are recommended interventions.