Penza, 20 June 2012. PenzaNews. Outbreak of elk rabies recorded in Zarechny, the Penza region. According to the TRC “Zarechny,” dead bodies of two sick animals were found by the boiler operator in the 58 block.

According to the chief veterinarian of Penza Ivan Adaev, examination confirmed rabies.

“We need to present the governor the facts and impose quarantine in block 58 in Zarechny,” declared the chief engineer of the State Veterinary of Penza and Zarechny Mikhail Ivanov.

Presumably, elks got infected from stray dogs or foxes. To prevent the spread of deadly disease, veterinarians strongly recommend vaccinating pets; specialists will take care of wild and stray animals.

“The City Veterinary Station of Zarechny has received 1,200 doses of vaccine against rabies and spread it around the forest in the areas of possible occurrence of wild animals in order to conduct oral immunization,” clarified Mikhail Ivanov.

According to the environmental engineer for natural resource management of Zarechny, Elena Matskevich, dead elk bodies were buried in the snow storage area at depth of 2,5 meters. People had no contact with infected animals.