Health Ministry Warns of Suspected Rabid Cat in Northern Israeli Village

Israel's Ministry of Health announced on October 28, 2026, that a medium-sized cat, described as white with orange spots, was found on October 25, 2026, in the Al-Baya'dar neighborhood of the village of Al-Mashhad, with suspected rabies. No individuals are known to have come into contact with the cat, and an epidemiological investigation is ongoing.

The ministry is urging anyone who may have touched the suspected rabid cat or any stray animals in the incident area, or whose pets may have had contact with them, between October 12 and October 28, 2026, to immediately visit the Health Office in Nazareth at 1100/1 Street. They can also call 04-6557000, 04-6557074, or 04-6557018, or go to their nearest health office. No appointment is necessary. After work hours and on weekends, individuals should go to the emergency department of a hospital.

The ministry also issued specific requests: parents should ask their children if they touched the cat or any stray animals and go to the health office if necessary. Pet owners whose animals may have come into contact with the suspected cat should consult their local authority veterinarian for guidance. The public is asked to share this information with anyone who was in the area or neighboring towns during the specified period.

The Ministry of Health reiterated that anyone bitten or scratched by an animal should immediately wash the affected area with running soap and water for at least 10 to 15 minutes, disinfect it, and then go to a health office as soon as possible to determine if preventative rabies treatment is needed. Again, no appointment is required.