Authorities Launch Rabies Prevention Measures After Infected Dog Found in Ramat Gan

On August 9, a stray dog suspected of having rabies was captured in Ramat Gan's Yarkon Park following a report of a woman bitten by the animal. The dog was quarantined and later euthanized; post-mortem tests confirmed it was rabid. Approximately 20 people who had contact with the dog, including six veterinary workers, received preventive rabies treatment involving four vaccine doses. Authorities are actively searching for a suspected husky dog that may have been exposed to the infected animal and urge anyone who saw the husky on August 9 to report it.

In response to this first rabies case in Ramat Gan in decades, the municipality has expanded vaccination schedules for dogs, including those already vaccinated, and increased patrols to capture stray dogs in the Yarkon area and nearby streets. Officials estimate that 85-90% of dogs in Ramat Gan and Givatayim are vaccinated, aiming to raise this rate further. Fines for unvaccinated dogs stand at 500 shekels, with 1,500 shekels for failure to renew dog licenses.

Additionally, the Dan Veterinary Services initiated a new campaign to distribute oral rabies vaccines to wild animals such as jackals and foxes. This follows concerns over increased jackal presence in residential areas due to habitat loss from construction and accessible food waste. Efforts include enhancing garbage collection, promoting enclosed trash bins, and coordinating with cat feeders to reduce leftover food. Authorities emphasize that jackals are protected wildlife, and relocation responsibility lies with the Nature and Parks Authority. Experts warn that without addressing food sources, the jackal issue will persist.

Dr. Orin Elron and other officials stress the urgency of these measures to prevent a potential rabies outbreak, urging the public to cooperate with vaccination and reporting efforts to avoid a public health crisis.