Prevention of Rabies

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Quarantine

The most important measures to keep countries rabies-free are strict public health control of stray animals, such as foxes, and control of the movement of possibly infected animals across borders into uninfected regions, with strict enforcement of quarantine regulations. It is very important not to bring animals into the UK without a licence.

Vaccination

Anyone who handles possibly infected animals (including bats) or is travelling to a risky area should have a pre-exposure anti-rabies vaccination, consisting of three injections over the course of a month. Booster injections every two years are needed for continued protection after that.

This advice is particularly important if you are going on a long trip in a remote area where you will be more than 24 hours from medical help, or where immunoglobulin supplies are low. The vaccine is not available on the NHS. For more advice, speak to speak your GP or call NHS Direct 0845 4647.

Pregnant women should avoid any unnecessary vaccinations, but if you are at risk of being exposed to rabies, it is recommended you have the vaccine.

Do not touch unknown animals

When travelling in countries that are not rabies-free, do not touch any unknown animals, and educate your children about the dangers of petting unknown animals. This is especially true for animals that appear unusually tame, as this is an early sign of rabies in animals.