HC Deb 29 April 1974 vol 872 cc356-7W
Miss Quennell

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what she estimates the recovery rate of sufferers from rabies to be; and what steps she is taking to alert the public to its dangers in view of its advance westwards across Europe.

Dr. David Owen

Cases in this country are very rare and always imported, but where rabies develops it is almost invariably fatal. Because it is contracted from infected animals, control measures are mainly the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. In November 1971 my Department introduced vaccination against rabies for all persons at special occupational risk. The notice to travellers prepared by my Department and the Central Office of Information gives advice on precautions which campers, caravanners and others should take.