May Chomalí

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Chile first in South America to eliminate dog-transmitted rabies

As of September 2026: Active; received the WHO validation diploma on September 14, 2026

Chile's last human case of dog-transmitted rabies came in 1972, in the central city of Chillán. On September 14, 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) validated the country as free of dog-transmitted rabies as a public health problem — the first South American nation to clear that bar.

Updated Sep 17

Notable Quotes

We are proud to receive this validation. It represents the results of work that has been planted and nurtured over many years through Chile's public policies to eradicate rabies.

from Chile first in South America to eliminate dog-transmitted rabies · Updated Sep 17

Without communities, without municipalities and without public policy, a certification such as this cannot be achieved.

from Chile first in South America to eliminate dog-transmitted rabies · Updated Sep 17