Answer given by Ms Kyriakides on behalf of the European Commission
11.5.2020
Infection with rabies is almost eradicated in the EU. While more than 1 500 animal cases were declared by Member States via the Animal Disease Notification System in 2010, only two cases have been declared in 2020 up to 24 March. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control ensures surveillance in humans and compiles annual surveillance reports.
In humans, in 2018 (latest year available) only one case of travel-related rabies with exposure in Morocco was reported by the United Kingdom[1]. For 2017, one case of travel-related rabies was reported by France with exposure in Sri Lanka[2].
Concerning the risks posed by the movement of pets, EC law regulates comprehensively the movements of dogs, cats and ferrets between Member States and their entry from non-EU countries[3]. The requirements for these movements include compulsory anti-rabies vaccination, with certain derogations for young animals.
In addition, the EU is funding anti-rabies vaccination campaigns in wildlife in Member States at the eastern border of the EU and in bordering non-EU countries in order to complete the eradication of the disease in wildlife in the EU.
At this stage, the Commission is not planning to review the current measures.