On 10 February 2026, a young dog imported from the Russian Federation was officially diagnosed with the rabies virus (RABV) in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, a diagnosis that was confirmed by the National Reference Laboratory (NRL).
According to the presented vaccination certificate, the animal was microchipped and vaccinated against rabies. In addition, the serological antibody titres test, which is required 30 days after vaccination, had been carried out. The subsequent three-month waiting period before entering the EU was also observed. However, based on current knowledge, it is assumed that the information in the vaccination certificate and accompanying documents is incorrect or inauthentic.
Germany has been officially recognised as free from classical terrestrial rabies caused by the rabies virus (RABV) since 2008. Overall, the epidemiological situation in the EU is favourable, with the exception of Romania, where fox-borne rabies has been successfully eliminated in large parts of the EU. Cases of rabies in imported pets within the EU are rare and are associated with illegal animal movements or unauthorised imports.
Between 2000 and 2025, 31 cases of rabies were recorded in illegally transported animals in Europe. The most recent import case in Germany occurred in 2021, when a dog illegally imported from Turkey died of rabies in Bremen.
Without preventive measures, rabies is a fatal zoonosis and is therefore subject to strict monitoring. Rabies should always be considered in the differential diagnosis, particularly in cases presenting corresponding clinical symptoms and anamnestic indications (e.g. foreign connection, unclear origin, import).
In addition to classic rabies, various lyssaviruses that can also cause rabies have been detected in bats in Germany.
