French authorities issue warning after kitten death

A warning has been issued by the French Ministry of Agriculture after a kitten found in Argenteuil, near Paris, was found to be carrying rabies.

The two-month-old black, white and tan kitten was found on October 25 and died three days later.

A epidemiological survey has been carried out to identify people who were in contact with the animal during the period he was able to transmit the disease - from October 8 to 28.

Five people who had contact with the animal during this time have already been identified and directed to a rabies centre for preventative treatment.

The ministry is urging anyone who has been bitten, scratched or licked around the eyes or mouth by this kitten, or knows of any animal that has been in contact with it, to get in touch via a helpline set up for people with concerns about the disease.

France was officially declared rabies-free in 2001. In a statement, the ministry said: "It is extremely important to find all the people, particularly the owner, or any animals that have been in contact with the kitten, its mother and other kittens from the litter."

The news follows confirmation of a recent case of rabies confirmed in the Netherlands, involving two puppies imported from Bulgaria. Commenting at the time, BVA president Robin Hargreaves referred to the report as "deeply worrying".

Spanish authorities also activated rabies contingency plans back in June after a dog carrying the disease was euthanised in Toledo.

Concerns have surrounded rabies since changes to the Pet Travel Scheme in January 2012 increased the mobility of pets, leading to fears that this could lead to a rise in disease incidence.

Mr Hargreaves recently urged the government to review current enforcement of pet movements into the UK, implementing measures to protect the nation's rabies-free status.

Anyone with concerns about the outbreak in France should contact +33 8 11 00 06 95.