Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects animals and humans. Elimination of rabies from the European Union remains a priority.
25 EU countries are currently free from rabies virus infections.
The objective is to reach zero rabies cases in wildlife and domestic animals in the Union by the end of 2022. To achieve this objective the Commission continues to support the implementation of rabies eradication programmes (consisting of implementation of oral rabies vaccination in defined areas, assessment of the vaccine baits distribution and evaluation of the effectiveness of the vaccination) in EU and non-EU neighbouring countries.
In 2021 and 2022, the Commission awarded overall €13 million and €25.1 million, respectively, to 12 EU countries to contribute achieving no cases of rabies in wild animals in the Union.