Heath officials in the southern Malopolska province of Poland have reported the first case of rabies among foxes in seven years.

The governor of the region has imposed a ban on entering forests near the village of Bobowa with pet dogs, hunting or organizing animal fairs, contests and shows.

“Rabies can be fatal unless it is treated before symptoms start to appear, so people who have had contact with a rabied fox or other infected animal are recommended to take the post-exposure anti-rabies vaccination,” reads an official warning issued by Malopolska’s health department.

Authorities have released a statement warning against contact with wild or stray animals and not to allow pets to roam free.

Between 1 and 10 September, bait stuffed with a vaccine against rabies will be dropped from a plane in order to prevent spreading of the disease among foxes. Residents of the area should not enter forests during the vaccinating operation and two weeks after it. The health department warns that the vaccine can penetrate human body through cuts, eyes, nose and mouth.  

Residents of Malopolska are recommended to vaccinate their dogs and cats and to report any bites to the health department.

If someone sees a strange behaving or injured animal must not touch it but call the health department immediately.  (mg/pg)