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Rabies Confirmed in Puppy Imported from Russia to Rhineland-Palatinate

Authorities judge the wider risk to local animals to be low after tracing all contacts.

Overview

  • The puppy showed behavioral abnormalities after surgery in late January, was moved to a shelter quarantine station, and died the following night before tests confirmed classical rabies.
  • The Bundestierärztekammer said the vaccination record was likely forged, highlighting persistent risks from unreliable paperwork in overseas animal transfers.
  • Authorities reported the animal traveled with other dogs and cats destined for Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, and France, with test results for those animals not yet disclosed.
  • The veterinary office in Rhein-Pfalz-Kreis completed contact tracing and notifications, and no ongoing danger to other animals in the district is currently assessed.
  • The Kriminalpolizei in Ludwigshafen opened an investigation for a potential violation of the animal health law, while it remains unreported whether any human contacts received post-exposure vaccination.