Hungary to begin autumn fox rabies vaccinations

Autumn rabies vaccination for foxes is scheduled to begin on October 3, 2026, in the southern and eastern counties of Hungary. The National Food Chain Safety Office (Nébih) will oversee the operation, which involves dispersing vaccine-containing baits from small aircraft. The program is designed to target wild fox populations and will not affect densely populated residential areas.

During the vaccination period, local authorities will implement restrictions, including bans on dog walking and grazing in affected areas. Specific schedules and restrictions will be communicated by district veterinary authorities and local municipalities. To assist the public, posters will be placed in rural areas, and detailed maps and lists of affected settlements will be available on the Nébih website.

Rabies remains a significant threat to domestic mammals and humans. In Hungary, the red fox is the primary carrier, with an estimated population of 50,000. While two rabies cases have been confirmed in Hungary so far in 2026, the disease is frequently observed in neighboring Ukraine and Romania. Authorities remind citizens that rabies vaccinations for dogs are mandatory, while regular vaccinations for cats are strongly recommended.