Rabies Emergency in Eastern Hungary amid Rising Wildlife Cases

In eastern Hungary, the national veterinarian’s office has ordered an extraordinary immunization campaign in response to the increased incidence of rabies-infected wildlife, according to azenkutyam.hu.

In addition to Golden Jackals, the National Food Chain Safety Office (NÉBIH) has detected the presence of the disease in dogs and cats in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County this year.

So far, eight cases of rabies have been reported, with the most recent case involving a fox shot for control purposes on February 12.

As rabies can be dangerous, sometimes fatal, not only to animals but also to humans, the office has ordered an emergency vaccination campaign between February 24 and 25, in addition to the usual spring immunization campaign, in order to reduce the number of infected animals. This will include the aerial dispersal of vaccine baits in both unpopulated and built-up areas of the designated municipalities.

During the campaign, a ban on grazing and dog walking has been imposed, with local authorities informing the public accordingly.

Separate from the current campaign, regular spring vaccination of foxes will commence at the end of March in the southern and eastern regions of the country.

Via azenkutyam.hu; Featured Image: Pixabay