[Rabies in Poland in 1999]

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 northeast part of the country, uncovered by oral vaccination. No cases of rabies in human beings have been reported in Poland in 1999. Out of 6,861 vaccinees, only 1,336 (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; 4,782 cases, 69%) or category D (animals healthy during the exposition, 743 cases, 10%.