Deadly rabies case confirmed after dog enters Spain from abroad

A rabies infection has been confirmed in a dog that entered Spain from Morocco on October 28. The dog was captured at the Tarajal border crossing near Ceuta, a Spanish city bordering Morocco, and was already severely emaciated and displaying abnormal behavior when it was seized. Despite its symptoms and origins, the dog's vaccination status was unknown.

Laboratory tests later confirmed the rabies virus. As of now, there have been no human or animal exposures associated with this case. This marks the latest confirmed rabies case in Ceuta, a city that like most of Spain, is rabies-free. Morocco, however, continues to suffer from rabies, which is endemic there. In 2000-2022, Morocco reported an average of 20 human rabies deaths annually.

While Spain has been rabies-free since 1978, occasional imported cases still occur in Ceuta and Melilla due to their proximity to rabies-endemic countries. Annual rabies vaccination is mandatory for pets in Ceuta, and owners must keep their animals' vaccination records up to date. If exposed to a rabid animal, preventive treatment can stop the disease from developing if given promptly.