Health authorities are asking the public, including hikers and other vacationers in the Emek Maayanot and Gilboa council regions to be on the alert for unusual behavior on the part of stray animals, after a jackal and a stray cat in the areas were found to be infected with rabies.
The jackal was found near the petting zoo of Kibbutz Tirat Tzvi and the cat was found in the community of Gan-Ner. Four people who came in contact with the cat received treatment at the local health office.
It is recommended that people who are bitten or scratched by suspicious animals wash their wounds with soap and running water, apply disinfectant and go to the nearest health office or hospital.