Israel Faces Surge in Rabies Cases as Association Demands Urgent Action

The spread of rabies in Israel continues as three new cases were reported recently across the country: an infected jackal in the Jordan Park, a fox in kibbutz Eyal, and a stray dog in the Maccabim area. According to data from the Israel Veterinary Medical Association, 108 rabies incidents have been documented in Israel since the beginning of the year. This figure surpasses the total number of cases recorded throughout last year, which was already a record year, pointing to a worrying expansion of the disease to new regions.

Urgent Demand for Preventive Vaccines

In light of the sharp rise in incidents, the chairman of the Israel Veterinary Medical Association, Dr. Michael Ettinger, issued an urgent demand to the Ministry of Health to secure full funding for preventive vaccines for individuals at the forefront of tackling the disease. The demand aims to protect veterinarians, clinic staff, animal catchers, municipal veterinary inspectors, and IDF soldiers exposed to animals during their service. The association demands that vaccines be made accessible through a fast-track process without bureaucratic hurdles or financial burdens on workers.

A Fatal Disease That Can Be Prevented

According to World Health Organization (WHO) data, rabies causes approximately 59,000 deaths worldwide every year. It is a particularly fatal disease: once clinical symptoms appear, the mortality rate is nearly 100%. However, early vaccination and timely preventive treatment can prevent the development of the disease. Dr. Ettinger warned that the Ministry of Health must act immediately.

"Unfortunately, we have not yet received substantive answers or clear guidelines from system leaders," Dr. Ettinger warned. "The Ministry of Health must act now to protect those who protect public health every day – before a disaster occurs."