Rabies Case in France: Ministry of Agriculture Seeks Witnesses

Since the death of the dog infected with rabies on October 25, the authorities have still not been able to determine the animal’s origin or trace its movements, which is becoming a serious cause for concern…   The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty is appealing to the veterinary profession and animal protection associations for information in an effort to learn more about this husky-type dog, which had been housed at a shelter in Évry-Courcouronnes (Essonne) since October 4, 2022.  

What do we know?

The dog taken in by this shelter showed the first clinical signs on October 19, while it was isolated in its kennel, which included a small exercise yard. The diagnosis of rabies was confirmed on October 27 by the Pasteur Institute. The period of contagiousness extends back up to 15 days before the onset of symptoms, which corresponds to the date of the dog’s arrival at the shelter. To date, no other animal at the shelter has shown signs suggestive of the disease. Unfortunately, given that the incubation period ranges from 20 to 60 days, this dog must have contracted rabies before arriving at the shelter. In addition, several people were bitten. They were treated at the Pasteur Institute’s rabies center and received post-exposure prophylaxis. The Île-de-France Regional Health Agency, for its part, has already identified other individuals who were also exposed to the animal.  

Where did this rabid dog come from?

Initial investigations quickly pointed to an illegal import from Morocco, a country where rabies is endemic. But this lead does not seem to be bearing fruit at the moment. Veterinarians are also being consulted, as this unidentified dog may have been brought in for a consultation, since it was suffering from “pyoderma upon arrival at the shelter (…) and was wearing a collar.” It is therefore possible that he was seen by a veterinarian before September 14, 2022. If any colleagues may have encountered or examined this dog before its arrival at the shelter, it is essential that they contact the DGAL’s animal health office at [email protected],” states the Veterinary Council. Health authorities remind the public that rabies is not transmitted between humans and that simple preventive measures can protect against it. Anyone who may have visited the Assistance Refuge Animaux (ARA) shelter located on Rue des Paveurs in Évry-Courcouronnes in Essonne between October 4 and 25, who may have come into direct contact with the animal (scratches, bites, licking of a wound, broken skin, or mucous membranes) and who have not already been contacted by the Île-de-France Regional Health Agency (ARS) are asked to call the dedicated hotline at 0 800 811 411 .   Key Regulatory Documents on Rabies Rabies: Information for the General Public and Travelers Rabies in France