Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the epidemiology of rabies in Lithuania from 1991 to 2000.
Materials and methods: Data available from the reports of the Lithuanian State Food and Veterinary Service, of the Public Health centers, of the Veterinary Laboratories of counties, districts and cities, and from the reports of the Lithuanian Ministry of Agriculture and the Environment Protection Department were used to assess rabies both in domestic animals and wildlife. The situation of human rabies from 1991 to 2000 was evaluated using the medical records of patients with a diagnosis of rabies and the epidemiological follow-up of people receiving post-exposure treatment.
Results: From 1991 to 2000, 2,148 laboratories confirmed cases of rabies were diagnosed in animals in Lithuania. Domestic animals accounted for 44% of all cases whereas wild animals accounted for 56% of the cases. During the 10-year period of investigation, 5 human cases were reported and 44,710 bitten persons received post-exposure treatment.
Comments: A high incidence of rabies in wild animals in Lithuania had a direct influence on the increase human rabies infection. It is necessary to improve preventive measures against rabies - vaccination of domestic and wild animals, and spread information on rabies to the general public.