Rabid jackal in Kiryat Shmona: Health Ministry urgent alert

The Health Ministry announced Sunday evening that a jackal infected with rabies was located in Kiryat Shmona in the Upper Galilee, in the area of the hesder yeshiva and Sderot HaNevi'im. At this stage, no human exposure to the jackal is known, and the epidemiological investigation is ongoing.

The ministry is calling on the public: anyone who came into contact, or whose animal came into contact in the area of the incident with the infected jackal or with a stray animal between September 21, 2026 and October 5, 2026 inclusive, should report urgently to the Tzfat health bureau (at 100 HaPalmach Street, by phone at 04-6994257 or 04-6994200), or to the health bureau nearest to their place of residence, for assessment of the need for preventive treatment against rabies. After office hours and on weekends, go directly to the emergency room at the nearest hospital, without needing to schedule an appointment.

In addition, the Health Ministry is calling on parents of children who were in the area to check with them whether they came into contact with the jackal or with other stray animals, and to report to the health bureau if necessary. Pet owners whose animals came into contact or could have come into contact with the infected jackal are asked to contact the municipal veterinarian for instructions. The ministry is asking the public to pass the information to anyone who was in the area and in nearby communities during the stated period.

The Health Ministry reminds the public that in any case of a bite or scratch from an animal, the area should be washed immediately with running water and soap for about 10 minutes, the wound should be disinfected, and one should report as soon as possible to the health bureau for assessment of preventive treatment.