The Emergency plan for the control of rabies in pets establishes the obligation to vaccinate pets over 3 months in 5 Catalan municipalities
The Institute of Health of Majadahonda (national reference center for the diagnosis of rabies) confirmed last June 5, 2013 a case of rabies in a dog put down in Toledo. For reasons of public health, according to the “Emergency plan for the control of rabies in domestic animals in Spain”, vaccination against rabies is deemed compulsory for animals over the age of 3 months during a period of 15 days since said resolution came into effect (6/12/2013).
The affected animals are dogs, cats, ferrets, and other animals susceptible to rabies in the restriction areas (localities where the dog diagnosed with rabies has been at some point). Provided that the animal in question came from Catalonia, as of today, and subject to daily update, vaccination against rabies is obligatory in the following municipalities:
- Montcada i Reixac (Barcelona)
- Piera (Barcelona)
- Porqueres (Girona)
- Banyoles (Girona)
- District of Sant Martí (Barcelona city)
If the pet has already been vaccinated against rabies, but more than 6 months have passed since the vaccination, a reminder is necessary. Vaccinations have to be performed by clinical veterinarians, who will have to update the pet’s information in the corresponding sanitary card, as well as in the census of animals.
The restriction areas might be modified in response to epidemiologic investigations by the competent authorities. For up to date information refer to the Institute of Veterinarians of Barcelona’s website: http://www.covb.cat.
According to the “Emergency plan for the control of rabies in domestic animals in Spain”, in an alert level 1 (with a minimum of duration of 6 months) animals moving from the restriction areas of precise require previou authorization by the competent authority.
The Council and official veterinary institutes of Catalona recommend also the vaccination of all pets outside the restriction areas.
Up to this date the Iberian Peninsula was considered a rabies free territory.
If you have any questions, the veterinarians and assistants of Veterinos HV will be pleased to attend you at the phone number 935 897 141.
