The Sri Lankan government plans to spend over Rs. 97 million to purchase rabies vaccines to combat the fatal viral disease transmitted through animals. The government Wednesday received the approval of the cabinet to procure 140,000 vials of rabies vaccine at a cost of US $ 868,000. The Sri Lankan Minister of Health Maithripala Sirisena has forwarded the proposal to award the tender to procure the vaccine. The procurement will be based on the recommendation by the Standing Cabinet Appointed Procurement Committee. Rabies is transmitted from infected animals, mainly dogs to humans and is always fatal once symptoms appear. By the time any symptoms appear, rabies cannot be successfully treated and prophylactic treatment after exposure with the vaccine is the best prevention method. In Sri Lanka 50 to 60 deaths occurs due to rabies, mainly due to exposure to infected dogs.