Rabies Protection

Description

Regulatory Services'' Animal Health Officer can provide advice and guidance on rabies control and prevention, based on information provided by Defra.

Eligibility

The provision of advice and guidance is available to anyone on request.

Procedure

To obtain information, please contact us or Defra using the contact details provided on this page, or alternatively, view the Defra website (see associated link on the right hand side), which provides more detailed information.

Helplines

Regulatory Services, Animal Health: (01226) 773860/ 772532

Defra: 01132 300100

Bat Conservation Trust Helpline: 0845 130 0228

Opening Times/Locations

Opening times and location map, click link for further information.

How the customer can help

Rabies Control

Defra has a Rabies Contingency Plan which would be used in the event of an outbreak. This is available on the Defra website.

Rabies in Bats

Rabies affects bats as well as terrestrial animals. A strain of rabies called European Bat Lyssavirus (EBLV 2) has been found in Daubenton''s bats in the UK on four occasions. There was also a fatal human case of rabies in Scotland in December 2002.

If you find a sick or ailing bat you should not approach or handle it, but seek advice from the Bat Conservation Trust Helpline. If you find a dead bat, you should also ring this Helpline for advice before attempting to handle it.

If you find a dead bat you may wish to send it to the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) for rabies testing under Defra''s passive surveillance scheme. The Defra website contains a form for completion (BAT 1) and enclosure with the bat. However, before you attempt to handle a dead bat, please contact the Bat Conservation Trust Helpline.

Response times/next steps

An initial response will be provided within 5 working days

Owner officer contact details

Animal Health Officer
3rd Floor,
Central Offices,
Kendray Street,
Barnsley,
S70 2TN.

Telephone Number:- 01226 772532/ 773860

Additional Information

The British Isles have been free of classical rabies for many decades, but because of the existence of the disease elsewhere there is concern about rabies being reintroduced by imported animals. All rabies susceptible animals entering the UK are required to spend six months in quarantine, unless arriving under and complying with all the conditions of the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS).

Further information on the level of rabies in other countries around the world is available on the World Health Organisation website (please see associated link on the right hand side). Information on rabies in Europe can be found on the Rabies Bulletin Europe website (see associated link on the right hand side).

The spread of rabies from animals to humans is controlled jointly by Defra and the Department of Health.

Related Links:

• Defra rabies information
• World Health Organisation
• Rabies Bulletin Europe Website
• Department of Health