Rabies in Europe in 2005

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Public Health
• Zoonotic Diseases

Background:

• Rabies remains a concern in Europe, despite control efforts.
• Human rabies incidence is low (<5 cases/year) due to prophylactic treatments and animal population controls.
• Key animal reservoirs include dogs, foxes, raccoon dogs, and bats across Europe.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the ongoing presence and epidemiological factors of rabies in Europe in 2005.
• To highlight the role of animal reservoirs and imported cases in rabies epidemiology.
• To emphasize the challenges in maintaining rabies-free status and informing medical decisions.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of rabies incidence data in humans and animals in Europe.
• Identification of primary animal reservoirs and their geographical distribution.
• Review of imported rabies cases and their implications for disease control.

Main Results:

• Limited human rabies cases (<5/year) reported in Europe.
• Established animal reservoirs: dogs (Eastern Europe), foxes (Central/Eastern Europe), raccoon dogs (Northeastern Europe), bats (nationwide).
• Annual reports of imported animal rabies cases indicate border permeability and travel-related risks.

Conclusions:

• Strict prophylactic and veterinary measures are crucial for limiting human rabies.
• Animal reservoirs pose an ongoing threat, particularly through imported cases.
• Maintaining rabies-free status in Western Europe is challenged by imported cases, complicating clinical management.