15 December 2004: Rabies status in South West France: update

This information updates the previous report of rabies in a dog in South West France dated September 2004

During 2004 there have been three reported cases of rabies occurring in dogs illegally imported into France. The latest incident involved a dog imported into France from Morocco, via Spain. The dog was known to have come into contact with other dogs during its infectious period, and it is possible that they may have been infected as a result. As a precautionary measure, France has declared the area in which this latest dog travelled during its illness as 'rabies infected' from September 2004 up to the end of February 2005 (to be reported in the CDR 17 December 2004). This area of South West France comprises the Departments of Gironde, Dordogne and Lot et Garonne.

Travellers who are bitten or who have other types of close exposure to animals whilst travelling in this part of France during this period should be managed as if they had been in a rabies endemic area and should be offered rabies vaccine or rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin if indicated by a risk assessment.

All travellers are reminded to take care to avoid contact with unknown animals, including animals in countries considered to be no risk or low risk for rabies.

Health practitioners who are consulted should follow the Health Protection Agency guidance on managing exposures. Calls for expert advice should be referred to:

England : the Health Protection Agency (HPA) Centre for Infections Virus Reference Department on 020 8200 4400 or the HPA Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre Duty Doctor service on 020 8200 6868.

Wales : the National Public Health Service for Wales on 029 207 42178 (or out of hours number: 029 207 47747 and ask for the medical virologist on call)

Scotland : Health Protection Scotland on 0141 300 1100

Northern Ireland : Consultant in Communicable Disease Control in the relevant Health Board or Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (Northern Ireland) on 02890 263765)