Dogs as protectors and companions: a new look at their role in rabies prevention
A paper shows how important dogs are in rural communities in Kenya. They not only protect people and livestock, but are also dear companions. An innovative approach to rabies prevention highlights how dogs and their role in society can be sustainably protected through co-creation.
© VSF Germany
While we often focus on the health risks associated with dogs, such as rabies, there is another side that often goes unnoticed: the positive role that dogs play in many people’s lives.
The published Dog Value Paper, presented at the 8th World One Health Congress in Cape Town, highlights the enormous social, cultural and economic value of dogs in rural communities in Kenya. Although rabies remains a serious threat, especially in low-income regions, the paper shows that dogs in these communities are much more than just potential carriers of disease. They are protectors, friends and an important part of the social fabric.
Dogs as guardians, friends and protectors
In rural areas of Kenya, dogs not only protect homes, fields and livestock from threats – they are also close companions and friends. “This dog is like one of my children,” said one participant in the study. For many people in the communities surveyed, dogs are an indispensable part of everyday life. Another participant added: “It feels good to have a dog at home. It is not right to live without a dog because others have one. We consider dogs to be like having flowers in our home.” This close emotional bond shows that dogs are much more than just farm animals – they are part of their owners’ social lives.
© VSF Germany
An innovative approach to rabies prevention: co-creation
In addition to examining the role of dogs in everyday life, the Dog Value Paper also introduces a new approach to rabies prevention: co-creation. This involved actively involving community members in the design of educational materials on rabies prevention. These materials were designed to be culturally relevant and easy to understand in order to better reach the community and increase participation in vaccination campaigns.
© VSF Germany
This innovative approach highlights the importance of involving people in rural communities, rather than viewing them as mere recipients of information. This strengthens trust in the measures and ensures that dogs continue to be valued as valuable protectors and companions in the community.
A comprehensive look at the value of dogs
The Dog Value Paper, co-authored by David Owino, One Health Specialist at Vétérinaires Sans Frontières for Kenya and Uganda, among others, clearly shows that dogs are much more than potential health risks. They fulfill important social, cultural and economic roles in communities.
The research was conducted by renowned institutions such as the International Livestock Research Institute, the Institute of Infection and Global Health, the University of Liverpool and the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh. This collaboration emphasizes the importance of a One Health approach that takes a holistic view of human, animal and environmental health.
Conclusion
With the goal of eradicating rabies by 2030, it is crucial that we continue to focus on participatory approaches such as co-creation, in which local communities are actively involved in developing solutions. These collaborative approaches not only raise awareness of rabies prevention, but also help to promote the valuable coexistence between humans and dogs. Dogs are much more than potential disease carriers – they are protectors, friends and important companions in everyday life.
If you would like to learn more about these exciting insights, you can read the full paper here: