MÁOK and Nébih warn about the importance of protection against rabies

By: STA Date: 2024. 01. 15. 10:30

Since the beginning of the year, investigations by the National Food Chain Safety Office (Nébih) have confirmed rabies infection in dogs and golden jackals. Due to the new infections detected near the Ukrainian border, the Hungarian Chamber of Veterinary Medicine (MÁOK) and Nébih draw the attention of pet owners to the importance of rabies vaccination and compliance with prevention regulations.

(Photo: Pixabay)

The Nébih laboratory confirmed rabies infection in a dog that died in Tiszabec on January 1, 2024, and in a golden jackal shot for diagnostic purposes in Jánkmajtis village on January 3. Both settlements are located in the county of Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg, near the Ukrainian border. The cases occurred in areas where the authority had previously ordered a number of epidemiological measures – including increased surveillance, closures, and the culling of foxes – after rabies cases had already occurred in the area last fall. Nébih will maintain these county measures of Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg as long as the epidemiological situation makes it necessary. In addition to wild and domestic mammals, the disease also poses a threat to human health, which is why MÁOK and Nébih emphasize prevention its role, primarily the importance of mandatory rabies vaccination for dogs and recommended for cats. Administering the vaccine, as well as complying with the laws related to the prevention of the disease near the Ukrainian border, is extremely important, but it is also justified throughout the country.