[Rabies, a public health problem]

In West-Europe, rabies is mostly reported in foxes, and in less extend in different domestic animals including dogs, cats, cattle, sheep, goats and horses. The contamination to humans occurs through contact with rabid animals by bite, scratch and even contact with the wound. This paper reports upon the current situation of rabies disease in Belgium and the prophylactic means routinely applied and those actually under experiment. In 1988, 514 animals were found positive, among which 366 foxes (71%), 95 cattle (18%), 46 sheep (9%), 14 cats (3%) and 15 dogs (3%). Due to this epizootic situation, 1391 human vaccinations (845 curative- and 546 preventive vaccinations) were given. Recently, few cases have been encountered at the north side of the Sambre-Meuse. This streamline has hitherto been considered to offer an adequate natural barrier against the rabies disease spreading. Further discussed is the prophylactic oral vaccination in foxes using two vaccines types: the live attenuated rabies vaccine and the rabies virus glycoprotein gene- vaccinia virus recombinant vaccine.