Two rabid jackals found in Golan; urgent call for exposure checks

The Health Ministry announced Monday that two jackals found in the area of Moshav Ramot in the Golan Regional Council have tested positive for the rabies virus, one from October 1 and the second from today. Following the discovery, two people who were exposed to one of the jackals have been referred for urgent preventive treatment against the disease, and the epidemiological investigation is ongoing.

The ministry is calling on anyone who came into contact, or whose pets came into contact, with the infected animal or with stray animals in the area of the incident between September 17, 2026, and October 4, 2026, inclusive, to urgently contact the Kinneret Health Bureau at 1 Yehuda Halevi Street, Tiberias (telephone 04-6710300), or the health bureau nearest to their place of residence, in order to assess the need for preventive treatment. After office hours, individuals should go to the emergency room at the nearest hospital, without needing to schedule an appointment.

The Health Ministry is also asking parents to check with their children whether they had contact with suspicious animals in the area and to contact the health bureau urgently if necessary. Pet owners are instructed to contact the municipal veterinarian for treatment guidance, and it is recommended to pass information about the incident to hikers and vacationers in the area and in nearby communities.

The ministry emphasizes and reminds the public that anyone who is bitten or scratched by an animal must immediately wash the affected area with running water and soap for approximately 10 minutes, disinfect the site with disinfectants, and go to the health bureau to check whether preventive treatment against rabies is required.