Greece to Air-Drop Rabies Vaccine Baits for Wild Foxes

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Greek authorities will begin air-dropping vaccine-laced baits across northern Greece later this month as part of a nationwide campaign to protect wild foxes from rabies.

The Agriculture Ministry said the oral vaccination programme will run from mid-October to mid-November, although it could be extended if bad weather disrupts flights.

Authorities have issued a strong warning to the public not to touch any vaccine baits found in the countryside.

The baits contain a live but weakened strain of the rabies virus and are designed specifically for wild animals to consume.

Anyone who accidentally handles a bait has been advised to seek medical assistance immediately.

Foxes targeted in rabies prevention campaign

Red foxes are the main target of the programme because they are considered the principal potential source of rabies in Greece.

Although rabies is transmitted primarily through bites from infected animals, authorities are also concerned about the indirect risk to humans if infected foxes transmit the disease to domestic animals.

Rabies can be fatal in both humans and animals if infection is not treated promptly.

Greece has been officially recognised as rabies-free by European Union authorities since 2021.

The vaccination campaign is part of the country’s ongoing efforts to maintain that status and prevent the disease from returning.

A similar operation was carried out during the spring, with vaccine baits distributed in areas where wild fox populations are present.

Greece has vaccinated foxes since 2013

Greece began distributing oral rabies vaccines to wild foxes in 2013, following a rabies outbreak that continued into 2014.

The vaccine is delivered through specially designed edible baits, allowing foxes to receive the vaccine without being captured.

Authorities use aerial distribution to reach remote areas and locations where wild fox populations are difficult to access by conventional means.

The latest campaign will focus on northern regions of Greece as part of the country’s continuing rabies surveillance and prevention programme.

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