Rabies in NE Italy since October 2008 (updated 15 February 2010)

Since October 2008, 126 cases of animal rabies have been confirmed in north-eastern Italy (marked in red on the map). These incidents have mainly been in foxes (112) but a number of other animals have been infected including 3 dogs, a cat, a donkey, together with deer and badgers.  All incidents have been in north-eastern Italy, starting in the vicinity of Udine in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, but spreading in recent months through the neighbouring region of Veneto.

Italy has been rabies free since 1995, however rabies has been found in foxes in this area previously, most recently in 1992.  In previous cases foxes appear to have crossed the border from Slovenia and Austria, however the risk of rabies in the northern and eastern border regions of Italy has long been recognised.  Local control measures including vaccination and restriction of movement of dogs, enhanced surveillance of wildlife, and oral vaccination of wild foxes have been enforced.

This area is alpine and forested and not a major tourist destination.  However, UK travellers are being advised the following:

• Those who are travelling to the northern and eastern border regions of Italy should avoid contact with wild and domestic animals.  However, if they are licked, scratched or bitten by a wild or domestic animal they should wash the area thoroughly with soap and water and seek urgent medical advice either in Italy, or on their return from their GP or NHS Direct.

Expert advice for health professionals is available from the Virus Reference Dept (0208 200 4400) or Duty Doctor at Centre for Infections (0208 200 6868).

(1). De Benedictis P, Mutinelli F, Veggiato C, Capua I, Squecco G, Coassin R, Ferri G. Rabies in a vaccinated dog in Italy. Veterinary Record, Aug 2009; 165: 216 (letter).

(2). OIE follow-up report 35, 10/2/2010. http://www.oie.int/wahis/public.php?page=single_report&pop=1&reportid=8943

Further information

All OIE reports here

Eurosurveillance paper -Emergence of fox rabies in northeastern Italy  November 2008, Vol 13, No 45.

Last reviewed: 16 February 2010