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Rabies is a notifiable viral infection of the central nervous system.

The disease can be caught when a person is bitten by an infected animal (or human) or when saliva has been brought into contact with open skin.

The incubation period can last from a few days to several months, but once symptoms show, the disease is almost always fatal. The only hope is immunisation during incubation, but this is far from guaranteed to succeed.

Britain has been protected by the natural barrier of the English Channel and by strict animal import laws combined with quarantine restrictions or animal passports.

Animal Health Act 1981

Under the Animal Health Act 1981, the illegal importation of animals is still an offence and can result in unlimited fines and imprisonment.

Every effort is made to keep out rabies, from publicity campaigns by DEFRA to combat the smuggling of animals, to physical measure in the Channel Tunnel to stop wild animals and strays reaching Britain.

Even though Knowsley is without a port, vigilence needs to be maintained. Knowsleys Environmental Health and Consumer Protection enforces a variety of animal health legislation and is responsible for implementing the County's rabies contingency plan.

This involves declaring an infected place, policing infected areas by setting up compounds for strays and strictly monitoring all animal movements. It may be necessary to destroy animals, especially foxes, which are the most frequent carriers of the disease.

For further information or advice contact us using the details below.