SINGAPORE – Rabies is a disease that can spread from animals to humans. A single bite from an animal of unknown origin, smuggled into the country and unvaccinated, could put your life at risk.
It is precisely this kind of scenario that keeps animal health agencies around the world on their toes. Singapore has been free of rabies since 1953, but keeping it that way requires everyone to play a part.
What is rabies?
Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the nervous system and brain of mammals, including humans. Once clinical signs appear, it is almost always fatal.
The virus spreads when the saliva of an infected animal enters the body through a bite, scratch or contact with an open wound or mucous membranes, such as the eyes, nose or mouth.
In South-east Asia, where rabies remains widespread in some countries and continues to claim human lives each year, dogs are the most common carriers.
Why Singapore cannot afford to be complacent
Singapore’s rabies-free status did not happen by accident. It is the result of decades of strict border controls, surveillance and public awareness.
Rabies was reportedly introduced into Singapore before the 1900s from the import of rabies-infected dogs on sea vessels. These dogs were sold and came into contact with locally owned and stray dogs, spreading rabies to the local pet population.
The disease was eventually brought under control after massive efforts, including stray dog population control, quarantine of dogs, registration of dogs and vaccination campaigns.
With rabies still common across our region, the risk of it being introduced here, particularly through illegally smuggled animals, remains very real.
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