Rabies epidemiological situation in Poland in 2009 and 2010

Abstract

The paper describes the data concerning rabies in domestic animals and in wildlife as well as in bats in Poland in 2009 and 2010. Analysis of rabies situation was based on species involved and geographical distribution of rabies outbreaks. Favourable decreasing trend in rabies epidemic in 2009 was stopped by the outbreak of rabies in the Malopolska province in 2010. This resulted in dramatic increase in the number of rabies cases. Emergency vaccination in the zone of rabies outbreak with increased number of vaccines per km2 in bordering areas of the province has improved epizootic situation, which returned to the state before the outbreak. To monitor rabies situation a strict supervision of all elements of the ORV and surveillance of rabies is necessary.