Rabies cases in Israel more than triple; Health Ministry warns of rise in wildlife infections
The Israeli Health Ministry reports that rabies cases have more than tripled since 2022, driven by increased wildlife contact in urban areas. Officials are warning the public to avoid feeding wild animals like jackals and foxes to curb the spread of the virus.
Why it matters
The rise in zoonotic diseases in urban environments poses a significant public health risk and necessitates changes in human-wildlife interaction policies.
Facebook Twitter (X) Whatsapp Reddit Telegram Email linkedin --> Print 0 Shares --> Share: Facebook Twitter (X) Whatsapp Reddit Telegram Email --> linkedin --> Print 0 Shares --> Read this article in: Illustrative - A jackal at the Yarkon Park in Tel Aviv, on August 17, 2019. (Photo: Anat Hermony/Flash90) The number of reported rabies cases in Israel has more than tripled over the past three years, according to data released Tuesday by the Israeli Health Ministry, which warned that the disease is increasingly spreading among wildlife and creating greater risks for humans and domestic animals.
Health Ministry figures show that Israel recorded 102 rabies cases in 2025, compared with 29 cases in 2022. The number of people who contacted health offices following suspected rabies exposure also increased significantly, rising from 12,343 in 2010 to 24,219 in 2025.
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