Rabies confirmed in a cat in Italy

A cat in the town of Arezzo in Tuscany, Italy (map available) has been diagnosed with rabies caused by a bat lyssavirus (West Caucasian Bat Lyssavirus). The cat became unwell and was diagnosed on 27 June 2020 by the National Reference Centre for Rabies in Italy. It is likely that the cat acquired this infection following contact with a bat in the area. Public health officials in Italy are following up any people who have had contact with this cat and are currently investigating the source of this infection and spread to other animals in the local area.

West Caucasian Bat Lyssavirus (WCBV) has only previously been detected in a Schreiber’s Bent-winged bat (Miniopterus schreibersii) in the western Caucasus mountains in 2002. To date, there have been no reported WCBV infections in humans.

Anyone who has been bitten, scratched or licked by any animal (domestic animal, wild animal or bat) in the town of Arezzo, Italy from May 2020 is advised to seek medical attention locally and then contact a health professional on return to the UK so that a risk assessment can be carried out.

The risk assessment for the rest of Italy remains unchanged: no risk for terrestrial animals, high risk for bats.

Refer to rabies information for travellers and what to do if bitten.