Breaking Update
Rabies Alert: Infected Stray Dog Found Between Dalton Junction and Gush Halav, Upper Galilee
A rabies-infected stray dog was found in the Upper Galilee between Dalton Junction and Gush Halav, prompting a health alert for potential exposures.
Description: The Ministry of Health reports a stray dog infected with rabies found in the area between Dalton Junction and the community of Gush Halav in the Upper Galilee. The dog is a mixed-breed Belgian Shepherd, medium-sized, brown in color. As of now, no human exposures are known. The report about the infected dog was received yesterday, February 25, 2026.
Dates: From 06.02.2026 through 20.02.2026 (inclusive)
Instructions:
Anyone who had contact, or whose pets had contact, in the affected area with the infected animal or with a stray animal between 06.02.2026 and 20.02.2026 (inclusive) must urgently contact the Safed Health Bureau at 04-6994257 or 04-6994200, or contact the Health Bureau nearest their home, to assess the need for preventive rabies treatment.
After business hours and on weekends, go to a hospital emergency room.
The Ministry of Health asks:
- Parents to ask their children whether they had contact with suspicious animals and to urgently contact the Health Bureau if so.
- Pet owners to contact their municipal veterinarian to verify their pets’ vaccination status.
- To share this information with hikers, visitors, and residents in the area and nearby communities.
The Ministry of Health reminds anyone bitten or scratched by an animal to immediately wash the area thoroughly with running water and soap, disinfect the wound, and contact the Health Bureau to determine whether preventive rabies treatment is needed.
Related Information
Guidelines After an Injury From an Animal Suspected of Having Rabies
