Animal and human rabies trends in Thailand: an analysis of One Health application

Background: Rabies remains a public health concern in Thailand in both humans and animals. There are problems of case monitoring, data exchange, and coordination between sectors. One Health unites human, animal, and environmental health, and it plays an important role in rabies control. This study analyzes rabies trends from 2016 to 2023, evaluates the One Health application, and identifies gaps in data management to achieve zero rabies.Method: Mixed-methods analysis was used in the study. The study assessed Thai Rabies Net, R506, and R36 data for the trend of animal rabies positivity, human death, and PEP administration. Qualitative analysis was done through a thematic review of literature and reports of the One Health application for rabies elimination and data management.Result: Animal rabies positivity in Thailand peaked in 2018 and declined through 2023, with persistent outbreaks in recurring areas. Human rabies deaths have declined significantly since 2019. A seasonal trend was seen with typically rising in the second quarter and peaking in the third and fourth, but in 2023, an earlier increase began in the first quarter. While animal positivity and human deaths are correlated, the correlation is weak, necessitating further research. Data sharing and integration across sectors remain incomplete due to manual reporting with no centralized or real-time integrated system. The literature review found that while One Health has been applied in Thai rabies elimination, coordination, data integration, and local-level awareness remain issues. Community engagement has improved vaccination and awareness, but needs to be extensive.Conclusion: Although the trend of rabies in Thailand generally has been downward, the situation remains an ongoing issue in high-risk areas that still have outbreaks and need continued, specific action. Enhancing year-round surveillance, real-time data integration, and strengthened intersectoral coordination should be continued. Community engagement should be enhanced for place-specific interventions. These gaps need to be addressed to ensure that Thailand meets the goal of zero human deaths from rabies by 2030.