Rabies Suspected in Kinneret Jackal Attack That Injured 11

Authorities now suspect that the unusual attack on Duga Beach on the Sea of Galilee was caused by a single jackal possibly infected with rabies, not by a pack as first thought. The incident, which took place one day earlier, left 11 people injured, including three minors, after the animal bit campers near the tents.

People familiar with the case said the jackal entered the beach area, moved among the tents and attacked visitors. Its aggressive and abnormal behavior strengthened the rabies suspicion, since healthy jackals do not usually attack humans in this way. All of the injured received preventive rabies treatment in line with Health Ministry guidelines.

Dr. Avi Tzarfati, head of the Organization of Veterinarians in Local Authorities, told mako that the danger does not end with those already treated. He said a rabid jackal can bite other animals, which may only develop the disease after an incubation period of several weeks. An animal bitten by an infected creature can later become a carrier itself, he warned, adding, “It is very dangerous.”

Tzarfati said the priority is to find the jackal and make sure there were no additional exposures. He added that people may imagine a coordinated pack attack when they hear the term “jackals,” but that this was likely a lone animal in an area where jackals are known to roam, especially on weekends when food is left in trash bins. Health officials said anyone bitten or possibly exposed to a suspected rabid animal should seek medical care immediately.