The District Veterinarian in Ełk informs about the positive the result of a rabies virus test in a bat found on the area of Ełk. As indicated in the letter - the risk of spreading rabies is small.

However, the Veterinary Inspection reminds of the obligation to vaccination of dogs. In the city and county, the vaccination rate of dogs is low (around 66%), which in the case of transmission of the virus may have an impact on the the rate of spread of rabies in an animal population.

The vaccination obligation is regulated by the Act of 21 November 2025 on animal health (Journal of Laws 2025.1795):

Article 44. [Mandatory vaccination against rabies]

1. Dogs over 3 months of age in the territory Republic of Poland and wild foxes in the areas specified in referred to in Article 15(1)(1) and in the provisions issued under the pursuant to paragraph 10(1), are subject to mandatory protective vaccination against rabies.
2. The owner of the dog is obliged to vaccinate him against rabies within 30 days from the date the dog reaches the age of 3 months, and thereafter at least every 12 months from the date of the last vaccination.
3. Vaccination of the dog against rabies is carried out by veterinarian providing veterinary services as part of the activity animal treatment facility.
4. Vaccination of the dog against rabies is carried out by at the expense of the owner of this dog.