"Don't wait for disaster": the unusual warning following the rabies incident in Gush Dan

About 20 people received preventive treatment for rabies after contact with an infected dog caught in Ramat Gan. Authorities are searching for a husky that was in contact with it and are expanding preventive measures, including additional vaccinations and reinforcement of areas.

About 20 people received preventive treatment for rabies after coming into contact with an infected dog caught in Ramat Gan. The dog was caught in Yarkon Park on August 9, placed in quarantine, and after about three days was euthanized; tests showed it had rabies. Dr. Orin Elron of the Veterinary Services said a report was sent to the Ministry of Health and an appeal was made to anyone who had contact with the dog, including dog owners whose dogs were in contact with it. Among those treated were six Veterinary Services employees. Treatment included four vaccinations. There is concern that a husky that was in contact with the infected dog is still at large, and authorities are trying to locate it. Following the incident, the first in decades, immediate steps were decided: opening additional vaccination slots for dogs, reinforcing areas around the Yarkon, and distributing oral vaccines to jackals and foxes. Dr. Elron noted that about 85-90% of dogs in Ramat Gan and Givatayim are vaccinated, and the fine for not vaccinating is 500 shekels and for not renewing a license 1,500 shekels. She warned of a growing phenomenon of jackals reaching residential areas due to shrinking habitats and open trash bins. Derazia called for action with the state to allow capturing jackals and moving them to a natural habitat, saying: "It is better to act now and not wait, God forbid, for a disaster that may occur."