"Do not wait for a disaster": Warning following the rabies incident in Gush Dan
About 20 people received preventive treatment after contact with an infected dog caught in Ramat Gan. Authorities are searching for a husky that may have been in contact with the animal and are expanding preventive measures.
About 20 people, including six Gush Dan Veterinary Services employees, have received preventive rabies treatment following the capture of an infected dog in Ramat Gan. Among those treated was Dr. Orin Alron, director of veterinary supervision for the Gush Dan Veterinary Services.
"On August 9, we received a report of a resident bitten by a stray dog. An inspector managed to catch it in Yarkon Park, within the Ramat Gan area," said Dr. Alron. "The dog was quarantined, and three days later, post-euthanasia testing confirmed it was rabid. Rabies testing in dogs can only be performed after death."
Dr. Alron noted that the Ministry of Health was immediately notified, and an appeal was issued to anyone who had contact with the dog—including owners of other pets—to seek preventive treatment. "Contact does not have to be a bite. Even petting or interaction with a rabid dog requires treatment," she explained. "Most of those who contacted us were dog owners whose pets had apparently been in contact with the infected animal."
Veterinary staff who handled the dog during quarantine also received the four-dose vaccine regimen. However, Dr. Alron warned that there is a concern that another dog, which had been in contact with the infected animal, remains at large.
"The inspector reported a husky dog that the infected animal had touched. We are trying to locate it and appeal to anyone who saw a husky on August 9 to report it," she noted.
Following the first rabies diagnosis in Ramat Gan in decades, immediate steps were taken. "We have opened additional vaccination slots for dogs, even for those whose vaccination is still valid," she announced. "We have reinforced patrols in the Yarkon region to ensure there are no stray dogs, and we act immediately upon receiving reports."
She estimates that 85–90% of dogs in Ramat Gan and Givatayim are vaccinated. The fine for failing to vaccinate a dog is 500 shekels, and 1,500 shekels for failing to renew a license.
Gush Dan Veterinary Services has also initiated another operation to distribute oral vaccines for wild animals, specifically jackals and foxes. "There is an increase in jackals entering residential areas due to the reduction of natural habitats, open trash cans, and accessible food scraps," Dr. Alron explained.
Authorities are reinforcing cleaning operations around trash bins and encouraging the use of underground containers. They are also working with cat feeders to ensure they use dry food in the morning and remove all scraps afterward. "It is important to increase awareness about keeping trash bins closed," she emphasized.
Dr. Alron clarified that the jackal is a protected species. "Responsibility for relocating jackals lies with the Israel Nature and Parks Authority. We only act locally. As long as food sources exist in built-up areas, this phenomenon will not stop."
Rami Drazia, Chairman of the Gush Dan Veterinary Services, added: "The jackal phenomenon is expanding every year. Residents who leave trash cans open or throw bags next to them, and feeders who scatter food and leave, are unaware of the danger lurking for us."
Drazia demanded that the state allow for the trapping of jackals and their transfer to natural habitats outside cities. "It is worth acting now and not waiting for a disaster to happen," he emphasized.
