World Rabies Day is observed annually on September 28, marking the death anniversary of French chemist Louis Pasteur, who developed the rabies vaccine. The day is dedicated to raising awareness about rabies through public education and vaccination programs.
Rabies is a deadly virus that attacks the nervous system, typically transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. Only mammals can contract rabies, and symptoms in animals include aggression, drooling, difficulty swallowing, confusion, and convulsions.
Vaccination and animal control efforts can greatly reduce rabies infections in humans and animals.