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Disease factsheet: Rabies

Case of rabies in a quarantine premises in South East of England

Following the conclusion of a full and thorough investigation by Defra and the Health Protection Agency of a case of rabies confirmed in quarantine in April 2008, all restrictions in place were lifted on 7 May.

Defra worked closely with the Health Protection Agency and the Department of Health during this incident to ensure that any risks to human and animal health were minimised.

Rabies is a notifiable disease. If you suspect signs of any notifiable disease, you must immediately notify a Defra Divisional Veterinary Manager. 

Latest situation

9 May 2008 - Information bulletin: European Bat Lyssavirus type 2 (‘bat rabies’) confirmed in Daubenton’s bat.

7 May 2008 - Information bulletin: Rabies case in quarantine in South East England.

29 April 2008 - Ministerial Statement: Written Ministerial Statement by Hilary Benn on the rabies incident in quarantine in South East England.

27 April 2008 - The full investigation which began when this rabies case was confirmed on the evening of 25 April is ongoing.

We have identified 4 dogs which entered the UK with the animal that died of rabies. These animals were humanely destroyed as they were in direct contact with the animal that died of rabies and were considered to be high risk. Tests for rabies are being carried out on these animals. Initial test results are negative and indicate these animals were not in the later stages of rabies. Further tests are ongoing and results are expected before the end of the week.

The quarantine facility where these animals were housed remains  under restrictions while the investigation is in progress.

We have also identified that 4 animals were released from the facility when they completed their quarantine period  after these 5 dogs arrived from Sri Lanka. Three animals were vaccinated on entry to UK quarantine in accordance with standard requirements, while the fourth had been in quarantine as a holding measure  until it was shown to have been compliant  with normal conditions of entry under the Pet Travel Scheme. These conditions require effective vaccination before entry  to the UK. The level of risk associated with  these animals is negligible. As a precautionary measure, the animals have been confined to their home premises for the time being while investigations are ongoing. Animal Health Agency vets are visiting these animals daily and providing the owners with advice.  These animals continue to be  healthy. The Health Protection Agency is content with the measures being taken and is providing advice on public health aspects to the owners.

25 April 2008 - Information Bulletin - Rabies case confirmed in puppy in quarantine.

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Background

Rabies is a fatal viral disease of the nervous system caused by a rhabdovirus which can affect all mammals including humans.

The disease is usually spread by saliva from the bite of an infected animal. Clinical signs include paralysis and aggression leading to a painful death.

Classical rabies was eradicated from the UK in 1922 and the Pet Travel Scheme and quarantine help protect against infected animals entering the UK, but because of the existence of the disease elsewhere there is concern about rabies being reintroduced by illegally imported mammals. Some European bats carry rabies related viruses. Most species of rabies-susceptible animals entering the UK are required to spend six months in quarantine, unless arriving under and complying with all the conditions of the EU Regulation 998/2003 on the non-commercial movement of pet animals, or Balai (commercially traded animals - contact Animal Health Divisional Office, Beeches Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 2RU (tel: 01245 358383; nightline: 01245 353632; fax: 01245 351162) or e-mail: AH.Chelmsford@animalhealth.gsi.gov.uk for more information).

Further information on the level of rabies in other countries around the world is available on the World Health Organisation website. Information on rabies in Europe can be found on the Rabies Bulletin Europe website.

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Advice to the public

The Health Protection Agency provides guidance to members of the public about rabies and human health implications.

Review of UK rabies policies

Defra is close to completing a review of its policies aimed at preventing rabies entering the UK through an imported animal. The main aims of the review are to ensure that UK rabies controls on all rabies-susceptible mammals are proportionate and sustainable, given that their primary purpose is to protect public health, and to inform the UK’s response to the European Commission's review of certain requirements of EU regulation 998/2003 on the non-commercial movement of pet animals.

A 12 week public consultation by Defra closed on 9 February 2006.

Other stakeholder involvement included inviting interested parties to give their views on the current requirements and future direction of the policy. The UK review takes account of evidence on the risk of introducing rabies or other exotic animal diseases or zoonoses through an imported animal, the practical aspects of implementing current policies, as well costs and benefits, and the way in which other parts of Europe address the risk of rabies and other exotic diseases. It also includes an assessment of the scientific evidence on which current policies are based.

The European Commission is carrying out a review of some of the requirements of the EU pet movement regulation, principally in those areas where the UK (and some other countries) has special derogations. The UK has submitted scientific and field information to contribute to the EU review.

Ministers are considering the conclusions of the UK review. No decisions have yet been made on any changes to rabies quarantine or Pet Travel Scheme requirements. All the current controls continue to apply. Any changes will be explained on this website in due course.  

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Rabies in Bats - European Bat Lyssaviruses (EBLV)

British bats are most active during the summer. This is the time when many householders discover they are sharing their space with bats, which may have established a roost in their roof space or garden. Bats will generally avoid contact with humans but occasionally may enter property or get caught by a cat. If you find a bat, dead or alive, do not touch it. If it appears to be sick or in difficulty, or has died, call the Bat Conservation Trust helpline on 0845 130 0228 and ask for advice.

Rabies affects bats as well as terrestrial mammals. A strain of rabies called European Bat Lyssavirus (EBLV 2) has been found in Daubenton's bats in the UK on six occasions. There was also a fatal human case of rabies in Scotland in December 2002.

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Rabies Contingency Plan

Defra has a draft Rabies Contingency Plan which would be used in the event of an outbreak. The draft plan and related documents are available. Further information...

See also

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Page last modified: 12 May, 2008

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs