Rabies in Spain: current situation, Ceuta, Melilla and bats
Which statement about the rabies situation in Spain is correct?
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A. The mainland and islands are free of rabies in terrestrial animals, but there are sporadic cases in Ceuta and Melilla and lyssaviruses circulate in bats
Correct. Terrestrial rabies was eradicated from the mainland in the late 1970s, but in Ceuta and Melilla there are cases linked to animals from Morocco, and lyssaviruses are detected in bats. There have been imported cases in dogs brought illegally from North Africa.
B. Spain has had no rabies case in any animal for more than 50 years, so the risk is nil
There are recent cases in Ceuta and Melilla, imported cases on the mainland and lyssaviruses in bats: the risk is low, but not nil.
C. Rabies is endemic in foxes on the mainland, which are the main reservoir
Fox rabies affected central and eastern Europe, but it is not endemic in Spain. In North Africa the main reservoir is the dog.
D. Spanish bats do not transmit lyssaviruses, so handling them without gloves poses no risk
Lyssaviruses (such as European bat lyssavirus type 1) have been detected in bats in Spain. They must be handled with gloves, and post-exposure prophylaxis considered after a bite.
lightbulb Key takeaway
Spain being free of terrestrial rabies is no excuse for complacency: a dog or cat of uncertain North African origin with behavioural changes, or a cat that has caught a bat, demand suspicion and reporting to the authorities. Rabies is a notifiable disease.
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Updated: October 31, 2026 · Educational content for veterinary professionals. It does not replace current clinical guidelines or the judgement of the attending veterinarian.