Rabies remains a neglected disease in most developing countries.

Significant progress and efforts towards rabies control have been recorded in some enzootic countries.

A stepwise approach to the global elimination of canine-mediated rabies is now being championed by health authorities worldwide and the strategy for rabies diagnosis and surveillance should be adapted to the progress made.

Several assays are available for the diagnosis of rabies virus (RABV) infection in animals and humans.

The various assays all have strengths and weaknesses, and their performance varies with the type of sample analyzed, their conservation during shipment, the expertise of personnel, and the laboratory environment (equipment, maintenance).

The use and the criteria for selecting these assays will vary according to the sample analyzed and the objective of the diagnosis, which will also vary depending on whether the setting in endemic or non-endemic.