The main source of rabies in animals in the Nizhny Novgorod region has been identified.

      July 11, 2026 09:00 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" - Maria OrlovaFoxes remain the main natural source of rabies in the Nizhny Novgorod region. They account for over 40% of all registered cases of the disease. This was reported by the NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" in the regional veterinary committee.

      In addition, in 90% of episodes of domestic animal infection, contact with foxes was recorded. Specialists explain this by the fact that the predator is a natural reservoir of the virus, as well as the presence of a food base near populated areas.

      "In 2025, 16 cases of rabies in wild animals were identified in the region - 15 in foxes and one in a lynx. From January to June 2026, 15 cases were registered: 12 in foxes, two in hamsters, and one in a marten," the agency reported.

      To curb the spread of the infection, regular distribution of vaccines for wild carnivorous animals is carried out. In 2025, 520,500 doses were used in the region. In the first half of 2026, 48,800 doses were specifically distributed in areas where cases of the disease were recorded.

      Vaccination is carried out three times a year: in March - during the fox mating season, in May-June - during the birth of fox cubs, and in November, a bait vaccination is organized. In addition, a "Strategy for conducting oral anti-rabies vaccination of wild carnivorous animals in the Nizhny Novgorod region" has been developed in collaboration with the Federal State Institution "VNIIZZh".

      In addition to working with wild fauna, agricultural and domestic animals are vaccinated in the region. In the first half of 2026, 183,000 individuals were vaccinated. Specialists also catch and vaccinate animals without owners. The plan for 2026 is to vaccinate more than 2,000 such individuals.

      It was previously reported that in several districts of the Nizhny Novgorod region, the shooting of foxes was allowed due to the threat of rabies spread. Quarantines had previously been imposed there.

      NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and operational information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+