[Rabies control in Thailand]

Two governmental sectors, Department of Livestock Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives and Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, have been jointly responsible for rabies control in Thailand. The aim is to have the rabies situation controlled both in humans and animals. Strategies included promotion of collaboration among governmental agencies, private sectors and publics in carrying out activities. Public campaigns are continually undertaken to raise public awareness, understanding and participation in rabies prevention and control. Providing education to the general public on appropriate self care after rabies contact is also one of their tasks. Another important mission aims to enhance a wider coverage of rabies vaccination in dog population in order to create and expand rabies free territories.

[Rabies situation in Thailand]

Rabies statistics have been officially recorded since 1929 and rabies became a notifiable disease in Thailand in 1980. The direct fluorescent antibody test is the test most frequently used to diagnose rabies. Although rabies incidence has been declining, animal specimens submitted for testing have been inadequate and it is not justifiable to conclude that the rabies situation is controlled. Laboratory confirmation of rabies in man relies on demonstration of rabies antigen on brain impression smear or RNA in secretions and hair follicles. Nevertheless, almost all specimens belonged to patients who manifested as furious rabies only. Reliability of the reporting system needs improvement in public understanding and close cooperation between public and government sectors.