Rabies

Rabies is a viral infection of the nervous system that can infect almost all mammals, including humans. Foxes, dogs, raccoons, bats and skunks can all act as reservoirs for rabies. Worldwide, the principal hosts for rabies are the domestic dog, and bats, particularly insect eating bats.

Rabies is one of the oldest recognised diseases in man and is a notifiable disease in Ireland.

There has not been a case of rabies in animals in Ireland since 1902.