Thank Goodness We Don’t Have Rabies!

When it comes to serious diseases that affect dogs, cats and even humans, rabies is one of the most feared around the world. It’s a deadly virus that has existed for thousands of years — but here in Australia, we’re one of the few countries that can proudly say we’re rabies-free.

Let’s look at what rabies is, why it’s so dangerous, and why Australian pet owners can rest easy knowing we don’t need to vaccinate our pets against it.

What Is Rabies?

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the brain and nervous system of mammals, including dogs, cats, wildlife and humans. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal.

It spreads through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, when the virus in saliva enters the bloodstream. The infection travels to the brain, causing inflammation and severe neurological symptoms.

Typical signs include:

• Sudden behavioural changes (fear, aggression, confusion)

• Difficulty swallowing or excessive drooling

• Paralysis or staggering movements

• Seizures and, ultimately, death

Around the world, rabies kills tens of thousands of people every year, mostly in countries where dogs are not routinely vaccinated.

Why We Don’t Need the Rabies Vaccine in Australia

Here’s the great news: Australia does not have rabies.We are one of the few countries in the world to remain free of the disease, thanks to strict quarantine laws and being an island nation with excellent biosecurity controls.

Our domestic dogs and cats have never had rabies, and the virus does not exist in our wildlife. That means there’s no natural source of infection here, and your pet doesn’t need to be vaccinated against it.

Biosecurity and Quarantine Protection

Rabies prevention is taken extremely seriously by the Australian Government. Any animal entering the country—especially dogs and cats—must meet strict import and quarantine requirements to make sure rabies doesn’t enter Australia.

These include:

• Proof of rabies vaccination before travel

• A rabies antibody test showing sufficient protection

• A minimum waiting period before import

• Quarantine on arrival for final checks

These measures ensure that no infected animals make it into the country.

What About Travelling Pets?

If you plan to take your dog or cat overseas, things are different. Your pet will need to be vaccinated against rabies before leaving Australia, especially if you’re travelling to or transiting through countries where rabies is present.

To return home, you’ll also need to follow Australian re-entry requirements, which include proof of rabies vaccination and testing.

Bat Lyssavirus—A Close Relative

Although Australia is free from rabies, we do have a related virus called Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV), found in some species of bats.

ABLV is closely related to rabies and can cause similar symptoms in humans.However, it is extremely rare and only transmitted through contact with infected bats.

Importantly:

• Dogs and cats cannot catch or spread ABLV.

• People should avoid handling bats unless trained and vaccinated (e.g., wildlife carers and veterinarians).

So while ABLV is monitored carefully, it doesn’t change our rabies-free status or create a need for rabies vaccination in pets.

Thank Goodness We Don’t Have Rabies!

Rabies remains one of the most devastating zoonotic (animal-to-human) diseases in the world, but Australians are incredibly fortunate.

Our pets don’t need rabies vaccines, and we can walk, travel and play with them without fear of this deadly virus.It’s all thanks to Australia’s strict biosecurity measures, responsible pet ownership, and the hard work of our border and veterinary authorities.

Final Thoughts

While rabies vaccination is essential in many parts of the world, Australian dogs and cats are safe without it. If you’re travelling overseas with your pet, speak to our vets well in advance to arrange any required vaccines and paperwork.

For everyone else—enjoy the peace of mind that comes with living in a rabies-free country.