Advice on rabies control and prevention can be found in the rabies section of GOV.UK.
Rabies control
DEFRA has a Rabies Control Strategy which would be used in the event of an outbreak.
The British Isles has been free of classical rabies for many decades. However, because of the existence of the disease elsewhere there is concern about rabies being transferred by imported animals. All rabies susceptible animals entering the UK are required to spend six months in quarantine. This is unless arriving under and complying with all the conditions of the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS).
Rabies in bats
Rabies affects bats and a strain of rabies called European Bat Lyssavirus (EBLV 2) has been found in the UK on four occasions. There was also a fatal human case of rabies in Scotland in December 2002.
If you find a sick or ailing bat you shouldn't approach or handle it. Seek advice from the Bat Conservation Trust Helpline. If you find a dead bat you should also ring this helpline for advice before attempting to handle it.
Rabies in other countries
Find out more about the level of rabies in other countries from the World Health Organisation.
Information on rabies in Europe can be found on the Rabies Bulletin Europe website .