Rabies
Rabies is a notifiable disease. If you suspect signs of any notifiable disease, you should immediately contact your local animal health office.
Rabies is an invariably fatal viral disease of the nervous system caused by a rhabdovirus which can affect all mammals including humans. The disease is usually spread through contact with saliva via the bite of an infected animal, but can be transmitted through an open wound or a mucous membrane such as those in the mouth, nasal cavity or eyes.
Current Situation
Our island status makes it unlikely that rabies will be introduced through natural wildlife spread. Additionally, Scotland currently operates the PETS scheme for animals entering Scotland from the EU and a number of listed third countries and quarantine for animals entering from other countries. Consequently the largest risk for rabies entering Scotland would be through an infected animal being brought into the country illegally.
Scotland is currently free of terrestrial animal rabies as are a number of other countries including many in the EU. However, rabies is still widely distributed across the world, is present on all continents and endemic in most African and Asian countries.