On Wednesday, Italy confirmed its first case of rabies since 2011 following the diagnosis of an illegally imported dog in Vittorio Veneto, in the Veneto region. According to the Italian veterinary authorities, the animal originated from Morocco, transited through Spain and entered Italy in December 2025 outside official import procedures. The dog was euthanised because of severe clinical signs, and laboratory testing confirmed rabies on 27 May 2026.
Rapid public and animal health measures
The case prompted an extensive public health and veterinary response. More than 30 people identified as having had contact with the dog received post-exposure assessment and, where necessary, vaccination and immunoglobulin treatment. In-contact animals were placed under strict observation. Local authorities also introduced an emergency rabies vaccination campaign covering approximately 4,400 dogs and around 1,000 colony cats in the municipality. Veterinarians have been tasked with delivering vaccinations, updating health records and ensuring registration in the national companion animal database.
The importance of preparedness
In countries officially free from rabies, the main threat remains the introduction of infected animals through illegal or non-compliant movements. As UEVP President Volker Moser noted: ‘increasing international travel and pet movements make preparedness, surveillance and collaboration more important than ever. Vets are at the frontline of zoonotic and emerging diseases.’ This is also underlined in the FVE position paper on the contribution of the veterinary profession to pandemic preparedness.
(photo ©Dinesh Lunked/Unsplash)