Rabies is one of the deadliest diseases on the planet, responsible for the death of nearly 59,000 people each year—often in underserved regions where access to vaccines is limited. In Phnom Penh Province, Cambodia, the toll is particularly high: it’s estimated that up to two children die each week from rabies infections, typically following contact with an infected dog. Determined to bring these numbers down, the nonprofit organization Mission Rabies embarked on a record-breaking vaccination campaign in the fall of 2024. Over the course of two weeks, a dedicated team of volunteers—including Dr. Link Welborn, Merck Animal Health’s Brad Coull, and Dr. Matt Peuser—vaccinated more than 227,000 dogs, surpassing the 70% herd immunity threshold necessary to break the cycle of rabies transmission.
Understanding Mission Rabies
Mission Rabies is a global nonprofit with a focused objective: eliminate canine-transmitted rabies worldwide. Partnering with local governments, veterinary professionals, and organizations like Merck Animal Health, the group executes targeted vaccination campaigns in rabies hotspots. Their approach includes:
- Mass Dog Vaccination: Reaching at least 70% of the canine population within an area, a threshold deemed critical for halting rabies transmission.
- Community Education: Collaborating with schools and local groups to teach children and adults about rabies prevention, bite avoidance, and how to handle animals safely.
- Data-Driven Strategies: Employing mobile apps and digital tools to track vaccines administered, map dog populations, and monitor campaign progress in real time.
Merck donates 100% of the vaccines used on these campaigns – well over 3 million doses donated! Purchases of Nobivac vaccines by customers like VMG members make this support possible.
A Glimpse into Cambodia’s Rabies Challenge
Cambodia’s capital city, Phnom Penh, is a bustling urban environment where dogs roam freely through narrow alleyways, shop fronts, and crowded neighborhoods. While many of these dogs have owners, few receive vaccinations due to financial and logistical barriers. The stakes are especially high for children, who are more likely than adults to pet or play with unfamiliar animals, increasing their risk of a rabies exposure.
“Children are a very important part of the story,” emphasizes Dr. Link Welborn, VMG CEO and Covetrus CVO, “because they’re more likely than adults to handle a dog that has rabies and to get bitten or scratched, which results in infection and, ultimately, can lead to death.
In spite of all the efforts of the health professions, few life-threatening infectious diseases have been eradicated in the over 200 years since vaccinations were first developed. Mission Rabies and the World Health Organization aim to eliminate human and animal deaths from dog-transmitted rabies by 2030. If successful, this will be in large part due to the work of the veterinarian profession.
It is the ultimate One Health cause.”
The Volunteers: A Team on a Mission
Brad Coull, Merck Animal Health
As an 18-year employee of Merck Animal Health, Brad Coull had known about the Mission Rabies collaboration for over a decade—often from the sidelines as a cheerleader, fundraiser, and customer liaison. But in 2024, he decided to jump in himself.
“So few events can truly change your life. For me, serving on the recent Mission Rabies campaign in Cambodia is one of them,” shares Brad. “Making the time and financial choice to participate was one of the best decisions I’ve made.”
Brad’s role involved going door-to-door with local vet students—checking every alley, driveway, and courtyard for dogs to vaccinate. The experience was humbling. Despite living in extreme poverty, Cambodian families exhibited profound hospitality, frequently offering chilled water, fresh fruit, and plastic chairs to rest during the intense heat of the day.
Dr. Link Welborn, VMG CEO & Covetrus CVO
A seasoned veterinarian and industry leader, Dr. Link Welborn joined the mission to lend his expertise and witness the on-the-ground impact of large-scale vaccination efforts. He underscores the critical role children play—not only in the risk they face but also in helping to identify dogs in their neighborhoods. Often, curious kids would lead volunteers to hidden pockets of the city, ensuring no dog was missed.
Dr. Matt Peuser, Advanced Veterinary Care of Olathe
For Dr. Matt Peuser, the trip was equally transformative. The long travel—32 hours from Kansas City to Phnom Penh—and the 12-hour time difference quickly took a back seat to the meaningful work of saving lives.
“Volunteering with Mission Rabies was an incredible experience,” Dr. Peuser recalls. “Being able to help those less fortunate and interact with people who were so appreciative of what we were doing was very rewarding. Despite living in poverty, they still offered us water, food, and unending hospitality.”
Dr. Peuser’s standout memory involved neighborhood children guiding him through dark alleys to find unvaccinated dogs. These young “tour guides” knew every corner of their area, illustrating how crucial community buy-in is to the mission’s success.
Dr. Matt Peuser, Advanced Veterinary Care of Olathe
For Dr. Matt Peuser, the trip was equally transformative. The long travel—32 hours from Kansas City to Phnom Penh—and the 12-hour time difference quickly took a back seat to the meaningful work of saving lives.
“Volunteering with Mission Rabies was an incredible experience,” Dr. Peuser recalls. “Being able to help those less fortunate and interact with people who were so appreciative of what we were doing was very rewarding. Despite living in poverty, they still offered us water, food, and unending hospitality.”
Dr. Peuser’s standout memory involved neighborhood children guiding him through dark alleys to find unvaccinated dogs. These young “tour guides” knew every corner of their area, illustrating how crucial community buy-in is to the mission’s success.
Daily Life on the Campaign
Days typically began before dawn, with volunteers boarding tuk-tuks by 7 a.m. to navigate Phnom Penh’s chaotic streets. The central “Hub” at the Royal University of Agriculture provided daily supplies and maps, assigning each pair of volunteers—often paired with local veterinary students like Lin—to a specific neighborhood. Temperatures hovered around 95–100°F, and days wrapped up anywhere from 6 to 8 p.m., making for exhausting but gratifying work.
“Although the days were long and physical, this experience gave me mental rest I’ve seldom experienced,” says Brad Coull. “Staying motivated was easy knowing the impact and potential lives saved.”
The Results: Over 227,000 Dogs Vaccinated
Mission Rabies set an ambitious goal: vaccinate over 70% of Phnom Penh’s dog population to effectively break the rabies cycle. With the help of hundreds of volunteers from 30 countries, they achieved a record-breaking result, surpassing 227,000 vaccinations in just two weeks.
“Knowing that we are truly saving lives with our work made it worth it,” adds Dr. Peuser. “Leaving the hotel at 7 a.m. and not getting back until late might seem grueling, but I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”
This effort not only protects local communities but also sets a new benchmark for what’s possible when global organizations, governments, and passionate individuals unite against a common threat.
Looking Forward: How You Can Help
- Donate: Financial contributions ensure that vaccines, syringes, and logistical support remain available for current and future campaigns.
- Volunteer: From veterinarians and vet techs to logistics experts and educators, there’s room for every skill set in the fight against rabies.
- Spread the Word: Awareness is key. Share stories, statistics, and the Mission Rabies website to inspire others to join the cause.
“If you’re thinking of volunteering…do it!” urges Dr. Peuser. “Expect long days and hard work, but know that you’ll walk away with experiences and friendships that last a lifetime.”
Final Thoughts
The Mission Rabies campaign in Phnom Penh stands as a testament to what can happen when communities, volunteers, and global partners collaborate on a common goal. Whether it’s Dr. Link Welborn advocating for children’s safety, Brad Coull reflecting on a “life-changing experience,” or Dr. Matt Peuser marveling at the generosity of local families, each story underscores the profound impact of empathy and action.
By exceeding the 70% vaccination threshold, Mission Rabies and its partners have given thousands of Cambodians—particularly its most vulnerable children—hope for a future free from the shadow of rabies. To learn more about how you can support or get involved, visit cambodia.missionrabies.com. Together, we can help ensure no child loses their life to a preventable disease.