Mazovia province, where Warsaw is located, has introduced an obligation in many areas for owners to vaccinate cats against rabies amid an outbreak of the disease.
In 2021, the provincial veterinary services recorded 110 cases of rabies in animals, both wild and domesticated. In response, eight oral vaccination drives for foxes were conducted in the area between March and November last year.
According to new rules introduced on 31 December, cats in high-risk areas – which include many parts of Warsaw – will need to be vaccinated against rabies from when they are three months old (within a 30 day period) and then boosted every 12 months.
Such requirements are already in place across Poland for all dogs. The fine for not vaccinating pets accordingly is 500 zloty (€109).
According to regional authorities, a risk of rabies has been identified in a number of districts on the right bank of the Vistula river, which runs through the capital, including Wawer, Wesoła, Targówek, Rembertów and Praga Południe, as well as the left-bank area of Wilanów.
The measures also apply to municipalities around the town of Minsk Mazowiecki, as well as in the area of Otwock, Garwolin, Kozienice and Radom.
Under earlier rules introduced in these districts in July, dogs need to be either kept on a leash or in fenced areas when outdoors while cats should be “confined”. Fairs, exhibitions and competitions for animals at risk of rabies, including dogs and cats, have also been banned.
Provincial authorities launched a promotional campaign (“Zaszczep pupila, to tylko chwila” meaning “Vaccinate your pet, it will take just a moment”) last month to encourage pet owners to comply with the obligation to vaccinate dogs against rabies.
They, along with the provincial education superintendent, will also this month conduct an educational campaign for children about the health risks of rabies to humans.
Main image credit: JACLOU-DL/Pixabay (under Pixabay License)
Maria Wilczek is deputy editor of Notes from Poland. She is a regular writer for The Times, The Economist and Al Jazeera English, and has also featured in Foreign Policy, Politico Europe, The Spectator and Gazeta Wyborcza.
