Two Rabid Jackals Identified in Golan Heights, Health Ministry Warns
Two jackals found in moshav Ramot tested positive for rabies, prompting the Ministry of Health to urge anyone exposed since September 17 to seek urgent preventive treatment.
The Ministry of Health reported today (Monday) that two jackals found in the area of moshav Ramot in the Golan Regional Council tested positive for rabies. One case refers to a jackal found on October 1, and the second to a jackal found today.
Two people who were exposed to one of the jackals were referred for preventive rabies treatment. The Ministry of Health noted that the epidemiological investigation is ongoing.
The ministry urges anyone who came into contact with a stray animal in the area, or whose pet came into contact with one between September 17 and October 4, to urgently contact the Kinneret Health Bureau in Tiberias or the nearest health bureau to examine the need for preventive treatment. After working hours, people should go to an emergency room.
The ministry also asked parents to check with their children if they came into contact with suspicious animals, and pet owners to contact the municipal veterinarian for instructions. In addition, the public was asked to pass the information on to travelers and vacationers in the area and nearby settlements.
The Ministry of Health reminds the public that in the event of an animal bite or scratch, the area should be immediately washed with running water and soap for about 10 minutes, disinfected, and reported to the health bureau to check for preventive treatment.
