Features of the Epidemic and Epizootic Situation on Rabies in the Russian Federation in 2023 in Comparison with Long-Term Data

In the Russian Federation, a downward trend in animal rabies cases has been observed since 2008, and in human cases – since 2012. In 2023, the number of registered animal rabies cases (1082 ) was almost equal to the average indicator over the past 5 years (2019–2023, 1189.0±125 cases) and was 2 times lower than for the previous 13 years (2010–2022, 2442.2±312 cases), while the number of fatalities was 2 and 3 times lower than the average value (4.2±1.2 and 5.9±1.2 cases), respectively, for those periods. The aim of the work was to analyze rabies cases in humans and animals in the Russian Federation in 2023 relative to the average long-term data for 2010–2022, and to characterize the rates of population seeking medical care after injuries caused by animals. The identified cases of hydrophobia were registered in the Omsk Region and the Donetsk People’s Republic, and their causes were failure to seek medical care after an animal bite and violation of the procedure for providing medical care. Domestic animals were the sources of infection. Despite the isolated cases of rabies in humans detected annually, the risk of contracting the virus in the country remains ever-present. Rate of injuries from contact with animals in 2020–2022 slightly decreased compared to 2000–2019, but no significant decrease is expected in the future. In 2023, approximately 353 thousand people sought medical care after bites, drooling, and scratches by animals. In 67 % of the cases, the population was injured by dogs, of which 36 % of injuries were recorded in children. The leading role in the circulation of the pathogen in natural foci was retained by the fox. The proportion of dogs and cats predominated in the structure of sick animals.