Rabies cases tripled over past years as wild animals move into urban areas, Health Ministry says

Israel's Health Ministry has issued a strong warning regarding a "alarming increase" in rabies cases, with infections in wild animals more than tripling over the past four years. The disease, endemic to the country's wildlife, is now seeing infected animals, including jackals in Tel Aviv and wild boars in Haifa, encroaching on urban areas.

The ministry reports a 252% surge in rabies cases between 2022 and 2025. In 2026 alone, 69 animals have already been diagnosed, with projections estimating around 150 cases by year's end, a significant jump from the 29 cases recorded in 2022. Rabies attacks the central nervous system of mammals and is almost invariably fatal without preventative treatment, though human deaths in Israel have been rare due to prompt medical intervention.

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very concerned

Several factors are contributing to the spread. The Health Ministry points to increased urban density, ongoing construction, and the displacement of wildlife from their natural habitats. Human activities, such as leaving out food for stray cats or improper garbage disposal, can also attract wild animals and facilitate disease transmission. Furthermore, infected animals are sometimes transported by people, leading to new exposure points, as seen in three documented cases in 2026 involving pets moved between different regions.

The ministry emphasizes the critical need for preventative measures and public awareness to curb the spread of this potentially deadly disease. While human deaths are rare due to available treatment, the escalating number of animal cases poses a growing public health concern.

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alarming increase