Rabies in Poland in 2021

Abstract

Until 2020, the rabies epizootic situation in Poland was favourable. This was interrupted, however, by a rabies outbreak in Mazowieckie voivodeship, which caused a drastic increase in rabies cases among animals, mainly red foxes. Here, we present data on the species and geographical distribution of rabies cases in domestic and wild animals, including bats, in Poland in 2021. In order to limit the transmission of the rabies virus, the Veterinary Inspectorate has introduced appropriate measures, including emergency vaccination and additional oral rabies vaccination (ORV) campaigns for foxes. Nevertheless, strict and comprehensive ORV and rabies surveillance are required to eliminate rabies from the area of rabies outbreak in 2021.