Oral Rabies Vaccines (ORVs), an Alternative to the Parenteral Vaccination Strategy for Rabies Elimination in Stray Dogs - Risk and Benefits in Indian Perspectives

Oral rabies vaccines (ORVs) have successfully eradicated rabies in wildlife, providing significant benefits over parenteral vaccination by reducing human resources, costs, and time demands. Despite these advantages, ORV use in domestic dogs presents unique challenges due to the higher risk of human exposure, potentially leading to vaccine-associated rabies cases. Limited genomic surveillance, inadequate screening of non-target animals, and insufficient funding for comprehensive surveillance impede the detection and reporting of such cases. Simulation models indicate that human risk from 1st and 2nd generation vaccine-associated rabies is significantly higher—approximately 19 times—when ORVs are used in dogs compared to wild animals. Regulatory and procedural adaptations are essential to address these barriers and enhance ORV safety for domestic dogs. Recommendations include encouraging manufacturers to secure central licensure for ORV use in dogs, and for the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) to support regulatory convergence among member countries. Additionally, WOAH and the United Against Rabies initiative should adopt a structured, prequalification process to validate ORVs specifically for canine use, thereby enhancing global oversight and harmonizing standards. Establishing a global regulatory science agenda, spearheaded by the WOAH and WHO, could further advance ORV deployment, facilitating a standardized and safe application of ORVs in canine rabies control efforts.

⓿ Oral rabies vaccines (ORVs) have successfully eradicated rabies in wildlife.

⓿ ORV use in domestic dogs presents unique challenges due to the higher risk of human exposure