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The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, highlights the importance of vigilance against rabies on World Rabies Day 2020

Today, 28th September, is World Rabies Day 2020.  Ireland has been free from rabies since 1903, and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has policies in place to maintain this freedom.  However, Ireland is not free from the risk of rabies, as cases have been reported in pets and wildlife throughout Europe in recent years. The Department is taking this opportunity to highlight the importance of continuing vigilance against rabies, especially if bringing your pet abroad or importing a pet to Ireland.

Increasing movements of pet animals throughout Europe means that we must remain vigilant.  Everyone in Ireland has a part to play - the most likely way rabies could be introduced into the country is through import of pet or exotic animals. Legislative requirements for importing pet and exotic animals differ by animal species and country of origin. Details can be found on the Department’s website here. Depending on the country of origin, pet and exotic animals entering Ireland may need to be vaccinated against rabies before they arrive. It is important to understand and comply with the legal requirements if importing pet or exotic animals.

Rabies is one of the most deadly zoonotic diseases worldwide, and kills nearly 59,000 people annually. The theme of World Rabies Day 2020 is 'End Rabies: Collaborate. Vaccinate' and the aim is to help in the fight to eliminate all human deaths from canine mediated rabies by 2030. Events are being organised worldwide by participating organisations to help raise awareness.

Rabies is a notifiable disease in Ireland, which means by law you must notify DAFM immediately, by contacting your local Regional Veterinary Office, if you suspect an animal is affected by rabies. More information about rabies can be found on the Department’s website here, and information about bringing pets into Ireland can be found here.

The Global Alliance for Rabies Control theme this year is: vaccination and collaboration  

In brief, the theme reminds us of key current issues in rabies elimination, namely:

  • the goal of Zero by 30
  • the importance of dog vaccination and post-exposure prophylaxis
  • the need for a united effort towards achieving elimination of this transboundary disease.