(Photo: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries)
Croatia has launched its annual spring campaign to vaccinate wild foxes against rabies, as part of ongoing efforts to maintain the country’s rabies-free status.
The 2026 campaign officially begins on 17 April, with the first vaccine baits distributed from Varaždin Airport in the north and Brač Airport on the Adriatic coast. Initial operations will cover northern Croatia and parts of Dalmatia, before expanding to other regions.
Distribution will then continue from Vinkovci-Sopot Airport in eastern Croatia and Rijeka Airport on the island of Krk, covering Gorski Kotar and Istria.
The campaign is expected to run until 30 April, depending on weather conditions.
The vaccination programme involves the aerial distribution of specially designed bait containing rabies vaccine. Aircraft equipped with GPS systems release the baits across targeted areas, ensuring consistent coverage.
Approximately 25 vaccine baits are distributed per square kilometre, with a total of more than 1.3 million baits deployed during each campaign. The programme covers the entire mainland, excluding Adriatic islands.
This biannual initiative, carried out in spring and autumn, has been in place since 2011 and is co-financed by the European Union.
Rabies is a viral zoonotic disease that affects both animals and humans. It is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, but can be prevented through timely vaccination and post-exposure treatment.
Wild carnivores, particularly red foxes, are the primary carriers in Europe, maintaining the disease cycle in nature. Domestic animals such as dogs and cats can become infected through contact with wildlife.
Globally, rabies remains a major public health issue, particularly in parts of Asia and Africa, where it causes more than 50,000 human deaths annually. The World Health Organization classifies rabies as a neglected zoonotic disease.
Croatia remains rabies-free
Croatia recorded its last case of rabies in 2014, thanks to continuous implementation of the oral vaccination programme. In 2021, the European Commission officially declared Croatia free of rabies.
Despite this, authorities stress the importance of maintaining preventive measures due to the risk of reintroduction through cross-border animal movement and global travel.
How the vaccine works
The vaccine used in Croatia is contained within a bait designed to attract wild animals. Once consumed, the vaccine triggers an immune response, with immunity developing within three weeks and lasting at least 12 months.
The baits are safe for other wildlife and domestic animals, although they are not a substitute for routine pet vaccinations.
Public advice and safety measures
Residents are advised not to touch or move vaccine baits found in nature. If a bait is discovered in a public area or near homes, it may be moved using protective gloves to a nearby bush or forest edge.
If the bait is damaged and the vaccine liquid is visible, it should be handled carefully and taken to a veterinarian for proper disposal.
In case of direct contact with the vaccine, individuals should wash the affected area thoroughly and seek medical advice if necessary.
Vaccine decoy and PVC capsule with vaccine (Photo: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries)
Authorities also remind the public that any bite or scratch from an animal carries a risk of rabies infection. Immediate washing of the wound and prompt medical attention are essential.
The programme includes ongoing laboratory testing of fox populations to monitor immunity levels and detect any re-emergence of the disease.
Damaged vaccine bait in nature (Photo: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries)
Croatia’s fox vaccination programme is approved and co-funded by the European Commission until 2027. Future measures will depend on the epidemiological situation in neighbouring countries, with targeted vaccination planned for higher-risk areas if needed.
The campaign highlights Croatia’s continued commitment to public health and wildlife disease control, ensuring the country remains free from one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases.