Foxes vaccinated for rabies: Two-week restrictions for dogs and cats recommended
Veterinarians from the National Food Safety Agency (ANSA) have launched the second anti-rabies vaccination campaign for foxes this year. Although the vaccine baits pose no danger to dogs or cats if accidentally ingested, owners are urged to restrict their pets' free movement for two weeks.
The operation runs from October 20 to November 2, with baits distributed in cooperation with representatives of forestry enterprises and the Society of Hunters and Fishermen of Moldova. According to ANSA, the campaign aims to reduce the risk of rabies spreading among wild animals and contributes to national efforts to eradicate the disease.
"For two weeks following the distribution of the baits, it is recommended to restrict the free movement of dogs and cats in the areas where the vaccination took place. This measure reduces the risk of domestic animals—which might compete with foxes for the baits—accidentally consuming them," the institution stated in a press release.
ANSA advises the public not to touch the vaccine baits if they are found intact. If a bait is found in an area frequented by children or pets, move it to a wooded area; however, use gloves and a plastic bag to avoid direct skin contact. If the packaging is damaged, people should notify the local veterinarian.
Vaccinating foxes against rabies is an important measure for preventing the spread of the disease to domestic animals and for protecting both animal and human health. In 2026, 96 rabies outbreaks were recorded in the Republic of Moldova, 18 of which occurred among wildlife. This year's first anti-rabies vaccination campaign for foxes ran from April 29 to May 8.
The rabies eradication program in the Republic of Moldova is co-financed by the European Union. According to data published on public procurement platforms, in February 2026, the National Food Safety Agency (ANSA) initiated a procurement procedure for 200,000 rabies vaccine baits intended for the immunization of wildlife. The estimated value of the procurement was approximately 2.7 million lei.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that rabies causes approximately 59,000 deaths annually across more than 150 countries, with the majority of cases linked to bites from infected dogs. The primary global objective is to achieve zero human deaths caused by this disease by the year 2030.
