Rabies is a severe viral disease that attacks the central nervous system of mammals and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. The virus is most commonly transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, typically via a bite or scratch. The United Kingdom is officially free of endemic terrestrial rabies, meaning the virus does not circulate in land-dwelling animals like dogs, cats, or foxes.
The UK’s Terrestrial Rabies-Free Status
The UK achieved its “terrestrial rabies-free” status through sustained efforts involving strict border controls and quarantine measures. The classical rabies virus is not routinely present in the wild or domestic animal populations on the mainland. The last case of indigenous rabies in a terrestrial animal in Great Britain occurred in 1922, marking the end of the virus circulating naturally.
Following this eradication, strict quarantine laws were implemented for all imported animals to prevent reintroduction. The last recorded cases of rabies in an animal outside of quarantine occurred in 1970, involving two imported dogs. Although cases have occasionally been detected within quarantine facilities, these instances confirm the success of measures designed to contain the virus.
The Exception: Rabies in UK Bats
A significant nuance to the UK’s rabies-free status is the presence of European Bat Lyssavirus (EBLV), which is closely related to the classical rabies virus. EBLV is the only form of a rabies-like virus currently circulating, maintaining a natural reservoir in some native bat species. Two types have been identified: EBLV-2, primarily found in Daubenton’s bats, and EBLV-1, found in Serotine bats.
Transmission of EBLV to humans or other animals is extremely rare, occurring via a bite, scratch, or contact with an open wound. Since surveillance began in 1986, only a very small percentage of tested bats have carried the virus. The risk is predominantly confined to individuals who regularly handle bats, such as bat workers, and there has been only one confirmed human death from EBLV-2 in the UK, which occurred in 2002.
Preventing Reintroduction Through Import Controls
Maintaining the terrestrial rabies-free status requires constant vigilance, primarily through strict controls on animal imports. Schemes like the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) and the Animal Health Certificate (AHC) mandate specific steps for bringing domestic pets, such as dogs, cats, and ferrets, into the country. These requirements ensure that companion animals do not inadvertently reintroduce the virus.
To enter the UK, pets must meet several requirements:
- Be identified with a microchip before the rabies vaccination is administered.
- Be vaccinated against rabies.
- Undergo a blood test (FAVN test) to confirm a sufficient antibody response, depending on the country of origin.
- Complete a waiting period after vaccination to confirm immunity before entry without quarantine.
- Dogs must receive treatment against tapeworm shortly before travel to protect against parasitic risk.
What to Do After Potential Exposure
In the unlikely event of contact with a bat in the UK or an animal bite while traveling abroad, immediate action is necessary to prevent infection. Thoroughly wash the wound for a full 15 minutes with soap and running water, then disinfect the area with an alcohol or iodine solution. This immediate wound care can significantly reduce the viral load at the site of exposure.
Following first aid, seek immediate medical advice through the National Health Service (NHS) or a local emergency department. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a time-sensitive treatment involving a course of rabies vaccines and, for those not previously vaccinated, an injection of human rabies immunoglobulin (HRIG). The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) provides guidance to medical professionals to ensure prompt and appropriate treatment is given.