In Lviv, quarantine restrictions have been introduced following a laboratory-confirmed case of rabies in a cat. They will be in force within a 5 km radius of the place where the sick animal was found, near the crossroads of Volodymyra Velykoho Street and Krilia Street (formerly Troleibusna Street).
The decision was taken at a meeting of the city anti-epizootic commission. Within the quarantine zone, veterinary clinics are prohibited from admitting animals without a valid rabies vaccination, except in cases where emergency care or vaccination against this disease is required.
LKP “Lev” reminds residents that both stray and domestic animals can be vaccinated against rabies free of charge there. Residents are asked to check whether their pets have an up-to-date vaccination and, if their jab has expired, to have them revaccinated as soon as possible. The city also periodically organises free vaccination campaigns for cats and dogs.
“Animals that have already been vaccinated but may have come into contact with the sick cat must also be revaccinated. When out walking, we recommend keeping dogs on a lead and, for the time being, not letting cats roam outside on their own. These are simple steps that will help protect both animals and people,” say staff at LKP “Lev”.
Doctors stress that if a person has been in contact with a sick animal, especially in the event of a bite, scratch or saliva exposure, they should seek medical attention immediately and not wait for symptoms to appear. Timely initiation of anti-rabies treatment can prevent the development of rabies.
Free anti-rabies vaccination in Lviv’s municipal facilities is provided to adults at the St Panteleimon and St Luke hospitals, and to children at the St Nicholas hospital.
If residents notice an animal with unusual behaviour or suspect rabies, they should report it to the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection via its 24-hour hotline. The city council emphasises that rabies is a deadly dangerous disease, but it can be prevented through timely vaccination of both people and animals.
Earlier, a case of rabies in a cat found near a residential building was confirmed in the city by laboratory tests. According to preliminary information from the Lviv City State Veterinary Medicine Hospital, volunteers initially took the animal in, but the cat later died.