Rabies Cases in Dogs in France - 11 March 2008

A dog was diagnosed with rabies in France on 26 February 2008 by the national reference laboratory (Pasteur Institute). The dog was a 9 month old mixed-breed female that lived in Grandpuits, Seine-et-Marne district (Paris suburb). The dog developed its first symptoms on 15 of February 2008, indicating a period of excretion of the virus ranging from 1 February to 19 February 2008 (day of death). The viral strain was identified as a strain originating from Morocco.

Detailed investigations in France have lead to the current understanding that there have been three incidents, this being the third (dog 3). The previous two incidents were:

Dog 1: Imported from Morocco in late October to Gers, near to Toulouse and Aquitaine (in south west France), via Tarbes (Haute Pyrenees). Died there 12 November (estimated period of viral excretion end October-12 November).

Dog 2: Black cross Labrador had contact with dog 1 in Gers and then travelled with family back to Grandpuits on 29 November. Died 5 January (estimated period of viral shedding 15 December -5 January). It stayed in the Seine-et-Marne area until it was euthanised on the 5 January 2008, except for 3 days (15 -17 December) when it was in Calvados district (Normandy).

Both dogs 1 and 2 died with symptoms that retrospectively are compatible with rabies.

The geographical areas and corresponding periods at risk are:
- Hautes-Pyrénées (Tarbes city and surroundings), from the 25 October 2007
- Gers (Auch city and surroundings), from 1 November 2007
- Seine-et-Marne, environs of Grandpuits from 15 December 2007
- Calvados (Lisieux city and Thury Harcourt village and their surroundings), from 15 December

The risk to humans from this incident is considered low, however, until further information is available travelers to the affected areas of France are advised to avoid contact with animals where possible and any person who has has a significant exposure i.e. bite, scratch or lick from any dog in the above areas during the relevant time period should seek early medical assessment.

Confirmed rabies case in dog in France HPA Press release:03 March 2008

Last reviewed: 23 October 2008