News
28 April 2008
Canine rabies in France – loss of rabies free status
In February 2008, a case of rabies was reported in a dog in France. It is thought the dog acquired the infection during a stay in Morocco. On return to France, this dog transmitted the virus to two other indigenous dogs [1-3]. The French Ministry of Agriculture has now declared that France has lost its status as free of terrestrial rabies [2, 3].
Following these three cases in dogs there is a low risk of rabies in:
- Auch city and surroundings
- Gers, Grandpuits and environs in Seine-et-Marne
- Lisieus city and Thury Harcourt village and environs in Calvados
The risk of rabies elsewhere in France is considered extremely low, but cannot be ruled out [3].
Advice for travellers
Travellers to the areas of low risk (Gers, Gradpuits and Clavados) should avoid contact with wild and domestic animals. Should any travellers experience an exposure to animal bites, scratches, or licks, they should seek urgent medical assessment in France or from their GP on return to the UK. Following an animal bite, wounds should be thoroughly cleansed and a medical assessment sought, even if the wound appears trivial. Prompt post-exposure treatment may be required, even if pre-exposure vaccine has been received.
Travellers to other areas of France are at extremely low risk of rabies; however, travellers should still seek early medical assessment in the case of bites scratches or licks from animals.
View a list of rabies clinics in France.
The NaTHNaC Country Information Page for France has been updated to reflect these changes in advice.
References
NaTHNaC. Canine rabies in France, 4 March 2008. Accessed 25 April 2008. Available at: http://www.nathnac.org/travel/news/rabies_040308.htm
Ministry of Agriculture, France. Rage Canine – Situation au 19 Mars 2008 et recommendations au veterinaires. Notes d’informations, 20 March 2008. Accessed 25 April 2008. Available at: http://agriculture.gouv.fr/sections/publications/bulletin-officiel/2008/bo-n-12-du-21-03-08/note-d-information-dgal6060/downloadFile/FichierAttache_1_f0/DGALO20088008Z.
Health Protection Agency. France declares loss of rabies-free status: implication for British travellers, Health Protection Report, 25 April 2008. Accessed 25 April 2008. Available at: http://www.hpa.org.uk/hpr/news/default.htm#rab
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