WOAH confirmed a case of rabies in a dog in Germany, Rheinland-Pfalz (near Mannheim). The animal died on 25 January and laboratory confirmation followed on 10 February 2026. The dog had been brought into the EU from the Russian Federation and was reportedly microchipped and vaccinated. Laboratory testing confirmed that the rabies vaccination was effective. However, a post-mortem examination revealed that the dog was younger than declared at the time of import. As a result, the animal did not comply with EU entry requirements, meaning it was an illegal import.
The dog was part of a consignment of 24 animals (22 dogs and 2 cats) imported by an animal charity and distributed mainly to Germany and other European countries. This case serves as a clear reminder that:
- Rabies must be considered in the case of neurological symptoms
- Vaccination documents should be checked particularly carefully for imported dogs to ensure strict compliance with EU animal health entry requirements
- Accurate identification, registration and documentation is critical – already covered for non-commercial movements under the Animal Health Law, the upcoming regulation on the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats will imply stricter rules for imports and traceability.
The official notification is available in the WAHIS system of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). Media report in German HERE.
