Virtual 5K Raises nearly $14K For WSU’s Rabies Control Program

A Colorado veterinarian has helped raise nearly $14,000 for Washington State University's Rabies Free Africa program through a virtual 5K fundraiser.

Dr. Ana McIntosh organized the "Run Wild! Rabies Free Africa 5K" after volunteering with WSU's rabies vaccination campaign in rural Tanzania, where she helped vaccinate nearly 2,000 dogs over ten days.  The fundraiser drew participants from around the world and far exceeded its original goal, providing critical support for WSU's efforts to eliminate canine rabies through vaccination.

“It has brought a renewed sense of purpose to my veterinary career,” McIntosh said. “I love my day-to-day job in clinical practice, but this felt like an opportunity to do something more with my veterinary knowledge and skills,"

She hopes to make the virtual 5K an annual event, continuing to support WSU's work to reduce rabies deaths in communities across Tanzania.

“As veterinarians, we are uniquely positioned to eradicate rabies,” McIntosh said. “Human physicians can care for exposed patients, but we can control the disease before the dog bites.” 

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-9791, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com