Analysis of the epizootic situation of animal rabies in some regions of the Northwestern Federal District

This article analyzes current regulations governing the prevention and control of rabies in animals, as well as their implementation practices. It was found that federal regulations do not mandate mandatory rabies vaccination for dogs, cats, and wild animals, including with federally funded vaccines. During our study, we examined the epizootic situation for this disease in neighboring northwestern regions of the Russian Federation, identified cases of animal infection, and the dynamics of rabies cases by year. We also reviewed available information on measures taken to prevent the spread of rabies, including information on vaccination of domestic and wild animals. Rosselkhoznadzor data on the quantity and results of laboratory tests of samples (brains) delivered to accredited veterinary laboratories were analyzed. The overall structure of rabies incidence by animal species, as well as for domestic and wild animals by region, is presented. It was established that differences in the epizootic situation in neighboring regions are due to the lack of a unified approach to addressing the problem in the Northwestern Federal District.