The National Food Agency of Georgia has confirmed a case of rabies in Martvili Municipality.

According to the Agency, a stray dog transferred to a Kutaisi animal shelter on April 14, which had been held in isolated observation due to a suspected status, has been laboratory-confirmed as rabid (Test Report No. 2465).

“The National Food Agency has notified all relevant authorities of the incident. Rabies containment measures have been initiated: a quarantine has been declared at the site of the outbreak, disinfection has been carried out, including at the animal shelter; vaccination of susceptible animals is currently underway, and health surveillance has been implemented.

The National Food Agency urges all individuals who may have had contact with a stray dog in the village of Bandza, Martvili Municipality, in the vicinity of ‘Ori Nabiji’ [‘Two Steps’], to seek medical attention immediately for vaccination and to contact the relevant services without delay,” the Agency’s statement reads.