What does the WHO recommend regarding mass culling of stray dogs for rabies control?

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that mass culling of stray dogs for rabies control should be approached with caution, largely due to its cost implications and limited effectiveness. The WHO emphasizes that such practices have not proven to be effective in significantly reducing rabies transmission and can often lead to a rapid rebound of dog populations as surviving dogs might increase their reproductive rates in the absence of culling.

Furthermore, the WHO advocates for alternative methods for controlling rabies that focus on vaccination, community education, and responsible pet ownership. Vaccination of dogs is seen as a more humane and sustainable approach to controlling rabies, as it not only reduces the incidence of the disease but also builds up herd immunity within the dog population.

While cost considerations are important in decision-making, the inefficacy of mass culling in achieving long-term rabies control justifies the low priority it receives in public health strategies endorsed by the WHO. This recommendation underscores a compassionate approach towards animals and a focus on effective public health interventions.