From tomorrow, the 18th of November, 2024, the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) will start the harvest vaccination on the foxes vs rabies. It is part of the Program to prevent, supervise, control and eradicate the disease rabies, developed and implemented by the BABH since 2009.
Vaccines look like this and people should not touch them
The process takes place in the 50-kilometer vaccination zone along the northern, western and southern land borders of the country and in the 20-kilometer zone along the Danube River and covers 23 districts.
Specially equipped aircraft will spread approximately 1.5 miles. airborne, and in no-fly areas, vaccines will be applied by hand. The campaign is to start from Lesnovo airport, Sofia region and will continue until the end of November, depending on the weather.
The lures will be distributed on the territory of the districts Pernik, Kyustendil, Smolyan, Kardjali, Haskovo, Dobrich, Silistra, Vidin, Montana, Blagoevgrad, Pazardzhik, Yambol, Burgas, Plovdiv, Stara Zagora, Sofia region, Sofia-city environment, Shumen, Razgrad, Ruse, Veliko Tarnovo, Pleven and Vratsa. Vaccines will not be distributed over populated areas and water bodies.
Around Sofia and around Kozloduy NPP, specially trained people will distribute the baits by hand.
Vaccine baits are cube-shaped and have a specific smell that attracts predators. In case of accidental contact with the baits, it is good to consult a doctor. Vaccines do not pose a health risk to other wild animals.
The control of vaccination carried out includes: control of vaccination bait intake, serological surveillance, by detecting antibodies against the rabies virus in blood samples of vaccinated animals.
How does the success of the rabies vaccination initiative affect public health and wildlife management in Bulgaria?
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Dr. Elena Petrov, Wildlife Epidemiologist
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Petrov, and thank you for joining us today! The Bulgarian Food Safety Agency’s plan to begin harvest vaccination of foxes against rabies starting November 18th is an exciting development. Can you tell us why this initiative is so crucial?
Dr. Petrov: Thank you for having me! This initiative is vital for several reasons. Rabies is a life-threatening disease that can affect both wildlife and domestic animals, as well as humans. By vaccinating foxes, the primary reservoir of rabies in Bulgaria, we can significantly reduce the incidence of the disease in the wild, thereby protecting both animal and human populations.
Editor: That makes perfect sense. How effective has the vaccination program been since its inception in 2009, and what successes have you observed?
Dr. Petrov: Since the program began, we have seen a marked decline in rabies cases among fox populations. For instance, there has been an increase in the vaccinated population, which correlates with a decrease in reported rabies cases. The program’s strategic rollout, including surveillance and monitoring, ensures that we maintain a close watch on rabies control and can adapt our strategies as needed.
Editor: It’s encouraging to hear about those positive trends. What mechanisms are in place to ensure that the vaccination reaches enough wildlife to be effective?
Dr. Petrov: The BFSA employs several strategies to ensure effective coverage. They utilize aerial distribution of vaccine baits in remote areas where foxes are prevalent. Additionally, community education campaigns help raise awareness about rabies and the importance of vaccination in wildlife. Monitoring the bait uptake is essential to evaluate the vaccination efforts’ success.
Editor: How do the geographic and environmental factors in Bulgaria impact the rabies vaccination efforts?
Dr. Petrov: Bulgaria’s varied geography presents both challenges and opportunities. Forests and rural areas are home to larger fox populations, while urban areas have different dynamics. The BFSA must adapt their approach based on local conditions, ensuring that areas with higher fox densities are prioritized while remaining mindful of wildlife migration patterns.
Editor: With the ongoing concerns about zoonotic diseases, how does this vaccination initiative fit into broader public health efforts?
Dr. Petrov: The rabies vaccination of foxes is an integral part of zoonotic disease prevention. Rabies can have severe consequences for public health, and controlling its presence in wildlife significantly lowers the risk of transmission to humans. This initiative supports the One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
Editor: It’s fascinating to see how interconnected these efforts are. Looking ahead, what do you believe the next steps should be for rabies prevention in Bulgaria?
Dr. Petrov: Continued surveillance and public education remain paramount. Expanding vaccination efforts and possibly even looking into other wildlife species that could serve as reservoirs of rabies would be beneficial. Collaboration with international bodies and sharing best practices can enhance our efforts further, aiming for a rabies-free future.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Petrov, for your insights today! It’s reassuring to know that steps are being taken to protect both animal and human health from rabies in Bulgaria.
Dr. Petrov: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important initiative! Together, we can work toward a healthier, rabies-free environment.