Rabies and Lyssaviruses – Why the Topic Still Matters

Rabies is a serious viral infection of the nervous system that can be caused by different lyssaviruses. It affects mammals and can also be transmitted to humans.

In Germany, classical rabies in domestic and wild animals now plays only a very limited role. However, the issue has not disappeared completely. Lyssaviruses can still occur in bats, for example, and travel or the importation of animals can create additional risks.

Why Is Rabies Vaccination Important?

Rabies vaccination protects dogs against the disease and also plays an important role when travelling abroad.

For many journeys within Europe and beyond, certain requirements must be met. These may include:

• a valid rabies vaccination
• correct documentation in the pet passport
• clear identification of the animal, usually via microchip
• additional entry requirements depending on the destination

It is particularly important to make sure that the vaccination is actually valid at the time of travel. After a first rabies vaccination, a mandatory waiting period may also apply.

The Pet Passport Is More Than Just a Vaccination Record

The EU pet passport contains important information about the animal’s identity and vaccination status.

Before travelling, it is therefore worth checking whether:

• the microchip number has been entered correctly
• the rabies vaccination is still valid
• the vaccination date and validity period are fully documented
• all required details and confirmations are present

Missing or incorrect entries can cause problems at border controls or while travelling abroad.

What Should You Do After Possible Contact With a Suspected Animal?

Contact with an animal that may be infected with rabies should always be taken seriously.

If a dog has been bitten or has had contact with an unusual or suspicious wild animal or bat, veterinary advice should be sought as quickly as possible. What happens next will depend on factors such as the dog’s vaccination status, the type of contact and the individual situation.

People should also seek immediate medical advice after possible exposure to a rabies-infected or suspected animal.

Good to Know

Rabies has become rare in Germany, but it remains a disease where prevention is especially important.

An up-to-date vaccination and a correctly completed pet passport are therefore not only useful for travelling but can also be crucial in an emergency.