Vietnam has recorded around 70-100 rabies deaths annually in recent years. In 2025, 77 deaths were reported across 20 provinces and cities, while more than one million people received post-exposure prophylaxis.
Many rabies deaths are preventable
According to the Ministry of Health, 54 rabies deaths were recorded in 21 provinces and cities between the beginning of the year and September 12.
Hanoi has recorded no human rabies cases in recent years, but the risk remains as outbreaks continue to be detected in animals. The capital has reported eight rabies outbreaks among dogs so far this year.
The figures were presented at a training conference in Hanoi on September 16 aimed at supporting a gradual transition from the dog and cat meat trade and slaughter to safer and more sustainable livelihoods.
Rabies can be fatal once symptoms develop, but prompt wound care, vaccination and immunoglobulin can protect people exposed through bites, scratches or contact with saliva from suspected rabid dogs or cats.
Experts said managing dog and cat populations, vaccination and controls on animal transport and slaughter play an important role in rabies prevention and control.
Livelihood transition supports rabies prevention
Hanoi currently has nearly 260 dog and cat slaughter sites, according to the city's the Hanoi Sub-Department of Livestock, Fisheries and Veterinary Medicine.
Most are small-scale or household operations scattered across numerous wards and communes, making centralised inspection and management difficult.
Rabies can spread during the breeding, transport, slaughter and sale of dogs and cats, making vaccination and tighter controls on these activities crucial to preventing human deaths.
Against this backdrop, Hanoi is implementing a pilot project on rabies prevention and sustainable economic development, aimed at gradually helping dog and cat meat businesses in selected wards shift to alternative livelihoods.
“More businesses are voluntarily closing and switching to alternative livelihoods. We encourage others to join the programme and make use of available training and support,” Ngo Dinh Loat, deputy head of the sub-department, said.
He said the agency would continue to step up inspections and coordinate with local authorities to ensure disease prevention and food safety as part of its management responsibilities.