Vets warn of rabies if quarantine rules are watered down

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Title – Vets warn of rabies if quarantine rules are watered down
Source – The Times
Date – 3rd February 2007

Rabies is a disease that the UK has so far been protected from. Thanks to the effective eradication schemes in continental Europe the threat of rabies in the UK has actually diminished, but as the countries where rabies is endemic move further and further away, the authorities are ever more aware that complacency is probably the main threat to it eventually finding its way on to our shores.

But just as the disease seems to be moving away from the UK’s shores, we are moving further a field in our holidays and travel experiences. Ever more adventurous travellers are seeking out more and more remote locations and venturing into areas where rabies is endemic. A vaccine that is readily available should be a real consideration following a risk assessment that you need to carry out prior to setting off. Will you be working with local people and in areas where stray dogs or other carriers are common? Is the country you are visiting on the list of high risk areas?

Over 10 Million people receive post infection treatment for rabies each year, but in many countries the treatment is simply not available and failure to have the vaccination makes infection substantially more dangerous. Rabies needs to be treated as soon as possible after the infection to have a better chance of success, having to fly home simply adds further risk.

Due to the expense and nature of the vaccination, the Rabies vaccination is often overlooked as an essential travel vaccine, but learning about risk allows you in consultation with you GP or Travel Clinic to make an educated decision regarding its necessity. Understanding the symptoms and method of transmission allows individuals to make safe choices when visiting endemic areas.

Thailand is a country with a Rabies problem, yet still 13% of visitors make physical contact with animals that have the potential to carry the rabies virus. This is very uninformed behaviour considering the nature of the Rabies virus and the risk to those who travel without a vaccination.

Beyond The Blue’s Gap Year and Independent Travel Safety & Awareness workshop provides you with the information you require to start your Travel Health planning and information about specific risk at your destination.



Please visit our website at http://www.safegapyear.com/