{"id":22809,"date":"2026-10-03T04:09:01","date_gmt":"2026-10-03T04:09:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/in-greece.com\/index.php\/2026\/10\/03\/greece-to-air-drop-rabies-vaccine-baits-for-wild-foxes-greek-city-times\/"},"modified":"2026-10-03T04:09:01","modified_gmt":"2026-10-03T04:09:01","slug":"greece-to-air-drop-rabies-vaccine-baits-for-wild-foxes-greek-city-times","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/in-greece.com\/index.php\/2026\/10\/03\/greece-to-air-drop-rabies-vaccine-baits-for-wild-foxes-greek-city-times\/","title":{"rendered":"Greece to Air-Drop Rabies Vaccine Baits for Wild Foxes \u2013 Greek City Times"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Greek authorities will begin air-dropping vaccine-laced baits across northern Greece<\/strong> later this month as part of a nationwide campaign to protect wild foxes from rabies.<\/h2>\n

The Agriculture Ministry said the oral vaccination programme will run from mid-October to mid-November<\/strong>, although it could be extended if bad weather disrupts flights.<\/p>\n

Authorities have issued a strong warning to the public not to touch any vaccine baits found in the countryside.<\/p>\n

The baits contain a live but weakened strain of the rabies virus<\/strong> and are designed specifically for wild animals to consume.<\/p>\n

Anyone who accidentally handles a bait has been advised to seek medical assistance immediately<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Foxes targeted in rabies prevention campaign<\/h2>\n

Red foxes are the main target of the programme because they are considered the principal potential source of rabies in Greece.<\/p>\n

Although rabies is transmitted primarily through bites from infected animals, authorities are also concerned about the indirect risk to humans if infected foxes transmit the disease to domestic animals.<\/p>\n

Rabies can be fatal in both humans and animals if infection is not treated promptly.<\/p>\n

Greece has been officially recognised as rabies-free by European Union authorities since 2021<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The vaccination campaign is part of the country\u2019s ongoing efforts to maintain that status and prevent the disease from returning.<\/p>\n

A similar operation was carried out during the spring, with vaccine baits distributed in areas where wild fox populations are present.<\/p>\n

Greece has vaccinated foxes since 2013<\/h2>\n

Greece began distributing oral rabies vaccines to wild foxes in 2013<\/strong>, following a rabies outbreak that continued into 2014.<\/p>\n

The vaccine is delivered through specially designed edible baits, allowing foxes to receive the vaccine without being captured.<\/p>\n

Authorities use aerial distribution to reach remote areas and locations where wild fox populations are difficult to access by conventional means.<\/p>\n

The latest campaign will focus on northern regions of Greece as part of the country\u2019s continuing rabies surveillance and prevention programme.<\/p>\n