EDIS Number: EH-20091121-23914-RUS
Date / time: 21/11/2009 03:59:20 [UTC]
Event: Epidemic Hazard
Area: Europe
Country: Russia
State/County: Capital City
City: Moscow
Number of Deads: None or unknow
Number of Injured: None or unknow
Damage level: Minor

Description:

A total of 3 people have been hospitalized in Moscow on suspicion of rabies virus infection after being bitten by a suspected rabid dog. The 1st case of animal rabies for this year (2009) was recorded recently in north Moscow following the arrival of a rabid dog brought in from the surrounding area. Moscow Oblast veterinarians state that 230 cases of animal rabies had been reported this year so far, which is more than for the whole of last year. The death of a 6-month-old pup alarmed city veterinarians because this rabid animal had roamed freely around north Moscow for 2 months. Concerned Muscovites took the the pup in and gave it a home. But shortly afterwards the pup was passed on to new carers. Later the pup bit a one of its new carers but no one paid serious attention to this event. Subsequently the pup was returned to its previous owners. Later the pup became unwell and was taken to a veterinary clinic where it died 3 days later. As a result a quarantine was imposed immediately in the 2 districts of Moscow. All pets were called in for immunization. All cats and dogs in neighborhoods in these 2 districts are considered to be at risk and must be immunised and kept in isolation for 60 days. All owners of pets are recommended to avoid travelling between quarantine zones and all animal trade and exhibitions are prohibited. Stray animals remain a concern and it has been decided to enhance the collection and containment of all stray animals in the north of the city. Veterinarians consider that ignorance of basic rules of animal welfare are responsible for this situation. Currently 3 people are being treated in hospital and several others as out-patients. The quarantine will be lifted only after 60 days of freedom from animal rabies.