Rare cases of rabies in two lambs in Jezreel Valley moshavim

The fatal viral disease was confirmed in the lambs at Moshav Kfar Yehoshua and Moshav Beit Zaid in the Jezreel Valley.

By JUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH
Police officer carries lamb 370 (photo credit: The Joint Association of Temple Organizations)
Police officer carries lamb 370
(photo credit: The Joint Association of Temple Organizations)
Two unusual cases of rabies in lambs near Afula were reported Monday by the Health Ministry, which warned people who had been in touch with the young sheep to contact their district health office.
The fatal viral disease was confirmed in the lambs at moshav Kfar Yehoshua and moshav Beit Zayit in the Jezreel Valley. The lambs had been meant for fattening and sale as mutton.
The ministry said that anyone who had been in contact with the lamb sheds at the two locations in the last two weeks, or if his own animals had been in contact with possibly ill lambs, he should contact the Afula District Health Office at (04) 609-9000 or (04) 609-9050 or go to their nearest district health office. On weekends and after hours, go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
The ministry also wants to alert travelers to the area and not only those who live there. Parents are asked to check with their children if they touched lambs in the area.
Anyone who has been bitten or scratched by a mammal should wash the wound carefully with soap and running water, disinfect the area and go to a district health office, where it will be determined if prophylactic treatment against rabies is needed.