Around 2,400 bite-related reports: Mykolaiv region has already exceeded the annual figures for 2023 and 2024

In the first 8 months of this year, about 2,400 people in Mykolaiv Oblast went to hospitals after animal bites. Over the whole of 2025, medical assistance was required by approximately 3,100 people.

These figures were cited at a briefing on September 28 by the deputy general director of the Mykolaiv Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Mykhailo Mykytenko. In 2023 and 2024 about 2,300 visits per year were recorded after animal bites.

At the same time, the specialist expects that the final figure may turn out to be lower than last year’s. He explained this by the introduction of comprehensive measures:

But there is cautious optimism that, based on the results of 2026, the number of visits will be lower than last year. Why? Because there is an understanding that this problem is cross-sectoral and requires a comprehensive approach to solve. Therefore, systemic measures are being implemented at the level of our region. Thus, this year the regional state administration decree No.185 approved a comprehensive program to minimize the risks of rabies spread and to prevent rabies in the oblast.

Mykhailo Mykytenko links the increased risks, in particular, to the full-scale war. Hostilities complicate the immunization of wild animals and force them to migrate closer to populated areas. There has also been an increase in stray animals in frontline communities.

Anti-rabies centers operate based at 14 hospitals in the oblast. Other medical facilities, including hospitals in settlements, can provide initial wound treatment and vaccination. If the risk of rabies infection is elevated, the patient is referred to the nearest such center for continued treatment and, if necessary, administration of rabies immunoglobulin.

Rabies is a fatal disease if a person does not receive timely post-exposure prophylaxis. The last fatal case in Mykolaiv Oblast was registered in 2020. A stray dog bit a man, but he refused the course of rabies vaccinations and died.

After an animal bite, the wound should be immediately washed with soap and water for at least 15 minutes, and its edges treated with an antiseptic. After that you should see a doctor as soon as possible. A clinician will determine whether rabies vaccination and rabies immunoglobulin are needed, taking into account the nature and location of the bite.

The current vaccination course consists of 5 injections: on the day of the visit, and then on days 3, 7, 14 and 28. You must not stop the vaccinations on your own. Cat and dog owners are also advised to vaccinate their animals against rabies annually.

Most animals with confirmed rabies in the region had owners. In 2025, 18 cases were recorded in which sick animals bit people. In 15 of those cases the animals were domestic, but the owners did not vaccinate them in time.

Previously we wrote:

• WHO delivered 5,500 vials of immunoglobulin to Ukraine for emergency rabies prophylaxis
• No medicines, but protection exists: rabies vaccine is available at medical facilities in Mykolaiv Oblast
• Quarantine due to rabies: a pet dog became the “trigger” for restrictions and urgent vaccinations in Mykolaiv Oblast
• A dog suspected of having rabies bit two people in Mykolaiv Oblast
• Two doses for the entire oblast: Mykolaiv Oblast was left without rabies medicines