A New Case of Rabies in Vendée

It’s summer, with its waves of tourists, wildfires, drought (yes, really!), breaks in the cold chain for food products, a rise in counterfeit goods, and generally illegal imports of animals of all kinds… even rabid ones!   Once again, an import from Morocco has reignited media coverage of rabies in France. A 3-month-old puppy arrived in France on August 1, brought back by tourists on vacation across the Mediterranean. The puppy, which died on August 7, had been suspected of having rabies since the previous day at a veterinarian’s office in the Vendée region. The Pasteur Institute confirmed the case on August 11. Since then, 24 people who had been in contact with the animal have been placed under special monitoring. In 2005, a case in Gironde also made headlines in the middle of summer. Several animals had to be euthanized as a precaution, while others were spared the procedure at the last minute. During the winter of 2007–2008, a new case emerged in Seine-et-Marne. In Vendée, a dog that came into contact with the deceased puppy—but is properly vaccinated (with valid identification and an up-to-date rabies certificate)—will be revaccinated as a precaution and placed under observation for 6 months (decree of August 9, 2011). However, any animal suspected of having been in contact with the infected puppy must be euthanized if it is neither identified (tattoo or microchip) nor validly vaccinated against rabies. Already, a female cat and her two kittens, which were unvaccinated, will be euthanized. The Vendée DDPP is searching for other animals that may be at risk.  

Rabies Remains a Concern

Although France has been considered rabies-free since 2001 (the last indigenous case was in 1998, despite the 2008 case), the risk still exists. The disease is far from being eradicated worldwide. Every year, 50,000 people still die from it—mostly children—suffering excruciating pain. The virus spreads fairly easily through bites, scratches, or simply by an infected animal licking an open wound (via the saliva of the animal carrying the virus). In addition, another route of transmission—rarely mentioned because it is exceptional—involves bats (a different class of virus). In this case, transmission occurs primarily through aerosols. Despite all the warnings and media coverage of previous cases, some of our fellow citizens continue to put their own health and that of others at risk. But this latest instance of recklessness will not be the last. During the rabies outbreak in Gironde, tension was palpable in the Southwest. However, local veterinarians acknowledge that once the incident was over, the rate of revaccination for animals in the region dropped again, as if nothing had happened. And yet, sectors such as hunting and dog training were shaken by the recklessness of a single individual. Importing unidentified and unvaccinated animals remains illegal and is therefore subject to prosecution. Health protocols are essential and must be planned well in advance of any animal transport. For more information: Daily Animal Management in the Event of Rabies In the Event of Rabies, What Status Applies to Which Animal?