TBILISI, May 19 – Georgian authorities have declared quarantine around a farm in eastern Georgia after a dog infected with rabies bit several animals.
According to Interpressnews, the case was confirmed near the village of Chalaubani in Gurjaani municipality, close to the Iori River, according to Georgia’s National Food Agency.
The agency said the infected dog bit five dogs, one sheep and one head of cattle on May 14. The animals had not been vaccinated against rabies by the owner.
The dog, which had shown aggressive behavior, died a few days later. Samples were then sent to the State Laboratory of Agriculture. Lab testing confirmed that the dog had rabies.
The farm keeps around 1,000 small livestock, 17 head of cattle, two horses and six dogs.
Under Georgian rules, unvaccinated animals suspected of exposure to rabies must be vaccinated immediately and placed under six-month supervision, with responsibility falling on the owner.
The National Food Agency said quarantine had been declared at the infected site and in the surrounding risk area.
Measures now under way include compulsory vaccination of animals vulnerable to rabies, disinfection, restrictions on animal movement and monitoring of animal health.
Rabies is a deadly viral disease that can spread from infected animals to humans through bites or saliva. Authorities did not report any human injuries in the case.
