An imported case of canine rabies in Aquitaine: Investigation and management of the contacts at risk, August 2004-March 2005

Abstract

In August 2004, a case of rabies was diagnosed in a puppy that had been illegally imported from Morocco to Bordeaux (France). Because a great number of people and animals were thought to have come into contact with the puppy, extensive tracing measures were implemented, and an international alert was launched to trace and treat the contacts at risk. One hundred and eighty seven people received post-exposure treatment, eight of whom also received serovaccination, and 57 animals known to have been exposed to the puppy were tested. Six months after the death of the rabid animal, none of the people treated showed any signs of rabies, nor was any secondary animal case reported. The management of this crisis highlights the importance of the role of a rapid alert system at European level. Strict application of sanitary control regulations is essential for animals introduced into EU countries, and all necessary information must be made available to EU residents travelling to rabies enzootic areas.

Opinion of the Scientific Panel on Animal Health and Welfare (AHAW) on a request from the Commission regarding an assessment of the risk of rabies introduction into the UK, Ireland, Sweden, Malta, as a consequence of abandoning the serological test measur

“…A total of 187 persons received post-exposure treatment and more than 1200 animals (most of them had been found dead) were analyzed for rabies as well as 57 animals confirmed as having been in contact with the puppy. All samples examined were negative (Servas et al, 2005).…”

Border Health: Who's Guarding the Gate?

“…France has identified several cases of rabies in dogs imported illegally from Morocco through Portugal or Spain by car. [33][34][35] In 2004 and again in 2007, three cases of canine rabies were reported in imported dogs. In 2007, Belgium and Germany also reported rabies in dogs imported illegally from Morocco.…”

Imported Rabies, European Union and Switzerland, 2001–2010

“…In some cases the implementation of hotlines and several press releases was necessary to cope with the demand for information by the public ( 4 ). However, although media attention in such cases reached its primary and immediate objective, i.e., no secondary human rabies cases were reported, it may also have contributed to enhancing the sense of rabies risk, thereby prompting persons to associate dog bites in general with rabies and thus leading to increased numbers of persons seeking postexposure prophylaxis unnecessarily for several months ( 8 ).…”