[Rabies in 1998]

Mass oral vaccination of wild animals against rabies which was introduced in 1993, shows a positive impact on the epizootic situation of rabies in Poland. Sources of wild and domestic animal rabies are present on the east part of the country, uncovered by oral vaccination. In parallel to the decreasing number of rabies cases in animals, the number of persons exposed to rabid animals also declines. No case of rabies in human beings has been reported in Poland since 1986. Out of 7172 persons vaccinated in Poland against rabies, only 1408 (19%) were bitten by or were in contact with a rabid animals. Main reason of vaccination against rabies were contacts with animals category C (rabies not excluded)--4989 (70%) or with animals healthy during the exposition (category D)--775 (11%).