Quarantine has been declared in Tsalka Municipality due to a case of rabies. On April 6 of this year, the State Laboratory of Agriculture confirmed the disease in a wild animal—a fox.
An investigation by the Kvemo Kartli Department of the National Food Agency revealed that the infected fox was mauled by four stray dogs. By order of the State Representative of Kvemo Kartli, quarantine measures were immediately initiated at the site of infection and the surrounding high-risk areas.
To localize the source of infection, the following works are being carried out:
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Disinfection of the infection site;
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Compulsory vaccination of animals;
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Strict supervision over the movement of animals;
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Isolation of animals suspected of infection and their transfer to shelters.
A total of 3 laboratory-confirmed cases of rabies have been recorded in Georgia this year. The National Food Agency provides free vaccinations for up to 300,000 domestic animals annually and urges the population to ensure their dogs and cats are vaccinated for prevention. According to specialists, vaccination and the control of the stray animal population are of decisive importance in eradicating the disease.
