Rabies

What is rabies? 

Rabies is a fatal disease caused by the rabies virus that affects mammals, including humans. The virus travels from the site of infection through the nerves and attacks the nervous system and damages the brain. Once symptoms appear in an infected animal or person, rabies will eventually result in death. However, rabies is preventable through vaccination (for people and animals), as well as timely medical treatment in people after exposure.

Singapore has been rabies-free since 1953. However, we must remain vigilant as the disease is still present in the region.

Together, we can continue to keep Singapore rabies-free. The Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) cluster under the National Parks Board puts in place precautionary measures to prevent rabies incursion. These measures include import controls as well as rabies surveillance and vaccination programmes. 

Who is at risk of rabies? 

All mammals, including dogs, cats, and bats, are susceptible to infection with rabies viruses, but only a few species are recognised as important in maintaining and transmitting disease. The most commonly affected animal in Southeast Asia is dogs. There are also reports of rabies cases in cats during outbreaks.

Fish, birds, reptiles and amphibians do not get rabies.

For your safety, do not feed nor get close to wildlife.

Is rabies present in Singapore? 

Singapore has been rabies free since 1953. However, we must remain vigilant as the disease is still present in the region.  

Together, we can continue to keep Singapore rabies-free. The Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) cluster under the National Parks Board puts in place precautionary measures to prevent a rabies incursion. These measures include import controls and also rabies vaccination exercise and surveillance.  

To prevent rabies from coming into Singapore, AVS works closely with border control agencies, such as the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and Police Coast Guard, to implement precautionary measures. These precautionary measures, which include dog licensing and strict import controls, help to curb the smuggling of unlicensed animals into Singapore.  

AVS also identifies dog populations in areas with potentially higher risk of rabies introduction (e.g. dogs on coastal fish farms) and conducts precautionary rabies vaccination for these dogs. 

How is rabies transmitted? 

The virus can be transmitted when the saliva of an infected animal comes into contact with an open wound or mucous membranes (e.g. eyes, nose, and mouth) of another mammal. For instance, the rabies virus is transmitted to a human when a rabid dog bites a person or licks a person’s exposed skin or mucosa.

Symptoms of rabies 

Animals 

The incubation period for animals may be prolonged, reaching up to 6 months, during which the animal does not show any clinical signs. 

The clinical signs of rabies can be highly variable, and may not be obvious during the initial stages of infection. Clinical signs may include the following: 

• Abnormal behavioral changes e.g. a normally playful puppy becoming shy and withdrawn/ a nocturnal animal being active in the day 

• Unprovoked aggression e.g. biting two or more people, animals, or inanimate objects without being provoked 

• Incoordination and paralysis 

• Excessive salivation or mouth foaming, difficulty swallowing, or appearing to be choking 

• Abnormal vocalisation (barking or growling) or sudden inability to vocalise 

• Hypersensitivity to touch, sound, or water 

• Seizures 

Should you observe an animal displaying the above clinical sign(s) that are suggestive of rabies, please report to AVS as soon as possible at 1800-476-1600.

Humans 

There is an incubation period between the time of rabies exposure and the appearance of symptoms, which typically ranges from weeks to months. 

Initial symptoms include: 

• Fever 

• Headache 

• General weakness and discomfort at or around the site of the animal bite 

As the disease progresses, symptoms may include: 

• Confusion 

• Hallucinations 

• Agitation 

• Anxiety 

• Insomnia 

• Hydrophobia (fear of water) 

• Hyperactivity 

• Muscle paralysis 

• Seizures 

The disease progresses rapidly once symptoms appear and death often follows within 10 days due to cardio-respiratory arrest. 

What should I do if I suspect my pet has rabies? 

Consult a veterinarian immediately if your pet is sick.  

How can I reduce the risk of rabies infections? 

Animals

If you are looking for a new pet, take note of the following:

• Only obtain animals from legal and reputable sources, such as:

  • AVS-licensed pet farms and breeders

  • AVS-licensed pet shops

  • Local animal welfare groups

• If you would like to import a live animal into Singapore from overseas, please apply for an import permit from AVS. Depending on the source country, your pet may be subject to differing import conditions. Refer to this page to learn more.

• Do not support illegal pet trade, which exposes animals to neglect, harm, and risk of disease. Never buy a pet from unverified or illegal sources, as these pets may be smuggled. Examples of suspicious sources include:

  • Telegram chats

  • Unverified online sources, e.g. Facebook Marketplace, Carousell

  • Unknown strangers

• If you know of any pet smuggling activities, call the Animal Response Centre at 1800-476-1600 or submit feedback via www.avs.gov.sg/feedback

As a pet owner, license your dog(s) and cat(s) with AVS for traceability and prevent your pets from straying and interacting with animals of unknown origin. 

Rabies vaccination is encouraged but not compulsory for pets in Singapore. However, if you are travelling with your pet, other countries may require your pet to be rabies-vaccinated. Speak to your vet to find out more.

Humans

Pre-exposure vaccination is recommended for persons travelling to areas of the world where rabies is common and persons who may be exposed to the rabies virus as part of their work e.g. veterinarians, animal handlers, and certain laboratory workers.

Do not touch or go near mammals (including wildlife) when travelling in rabies-endemic regions. 

Wounds and scratches by animals should be washed immediately and thoroughly with soap and water. Mucous membranes (e.g. eyes, nose, and mouth) should be washed thoroughly with water.

If you witness or are involved in an incident involving a bite by an animal showing clinical signs suggestive of rabies, please report the incident to AVS as soon as possible at 1800-476-1600. If there are any concerns or suspicion that the biting animal may have been rabid, patients should be urgently referred to a public hospital for appropriate assessment and treatment. Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin) should be given as soon as possible if indicated.

Further reading  

https://www.cda.gov.sg/professionals/diseases/rabies 

Resources  

Infographic: About Rabies