Program for monitoring and fighting rabies, with the aim of protecting animal health and protecting public health from this serious zoosanthronosis, is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development and Food.

In the framework of the program, two vaccination campaigns are held annually, one in spring and one in the autumn, to immunize wildlife (red fox) animals against the rabies virus, with air-dumping-dumping vaccines.

The first aerial vaccination campaign was implemented in 2013, following an animal rabies in the country in October 2012. The Epirus Racing followed, with the latter case confirmed in May 2014.

Based on the absence of the disease since then and the results of its long -term surveillance, Greece, since 2021, is included in the official list of Member States, under rabies exemption status, according to Annex III, Part I of no. 2021/620 of the European Commission of Executive Regulation (EU). Also, since October 4, 2024, it has been published on the official website of the World Animal Health Organization (Woah) the statement of our country’s exemption regime from Lyssa. Continuing the implementation of the anti -rabial vaccination program of wildlife is inextricably tied to our country’s commitment to maintaining this regime, at national, union and international level.

Therefore, in mid -March 2025, under the coordination of the Ministry of Health of the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning and with the assistance of local veterinary authorities in the country, Scheduled the start of the 20th Spring Anti -Ground Vaccination Campaign. It is estimated that this will be completed in mid -April 2025 (at the latest to the end of it), provided that there will be no delays due to adverse weather conditions. Vaccines to be used contain live virus, reduced infectious power and any contact with them is prohibited. In case of accidental contact with them, medical assistance should be sought immediately.

The air pouring of the Anti -Graduate Vaccine Baits will take place in seventeen (17) regional units (IP) of the country and, in particular, in Evros IP (except Samothrakis), Rodopi, Xanthi, Drama, Kavala (part of it), Kastoria, Kozani (part of it), Grevena (part of it), Ioannina (part of it), Thesprotia and Preveza (part of it).

The Department of Animal Health Directorate of the Department of Veterinary Medicine of the Ministry of Education is informing the owners of pets (dogs and cats) that the Anti -Faculty Vaccination of their Animals by a veterinarian is mandatory. The commemorative vaccination is based on the duration of immunity provided by each vaccine formulation, information provided by the manufacturer.

It is emphasized to citizens, the importance of informing veterinary/forest services and guards, in the event of the founding of dead animals sensitive to rabies (all warm -blooded animals) or animals that are suspected of rabies.

It should be noted that, primary for the control and fighting of rabies in our country, is the role of the country’s veterinary services, as well as the guards and hunters, who are actively involved in the surveillance and control program.

Information on the disease is available on the official website of the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning.