Measures applied in Denmark to control the rabies epizootic in 1977-1980

Rabies reappeared in Denmark close to its southern border during the autumn of 1977 after having been absent since 1970. A combat area adjacent to the border was immediately established. Measures applied within the area to control the disease included compulsory vaccination of all dogs and a reduction of the fox population by gassing with cyanide, strychnine poisoning and shooting. A total of 371 laboratory confirmed cases of rabies have been recorded during 1977-1980; in 1977 (6), 1978 (163), 1979 (165) and in 1980 (37). Rabies has been reported in the following species: fox (306), cattle (40), marten (18), sheep (5), horse (1) and deer (1). There has been no human, canine nor feline rabies during the epizootic.