On February 17, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA /. A rabid lynx had to be shot in the Polotsk district, as reported to BELTA correspondent by Vasily Kirpichenok, Deputy Head of the Department of the Vitebsk Regional Committee for Natural Resources and Environmental Protection. The wild cat unexpectedly appeared on the protected territory of the former dairy plant in the suburbs of Polotsk, near the village of Belchitsa, and attacked a mongrel dog, which, along with its owner, a watchman, was on duty. Within minutes, the lynx dealt with the dog and, growling, headed towards the man. The frightened watchman barely managed to get into the premises and immediately called the police and the non-departmental security service for help. Police officers, non-departmental security, specialists from the Novopolotsk Inspectorate for Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, the veterinary service, and forestry arrived at the scene. Based on a visual examination of the animal, the chief veterinarian of Polotsk concluded that the animal was most likely suffering from rabies and posed a serious threat to people and animals. Specialists decided to shoot the lynx. A later analysis confirmed the specialists' assumption. The lynx carcass was incinerated. According to Vasily Kirpichenok, this is the first registered case of rabies in an animal listed in the Red Book in the region. A comprehensive plan of measures to combat rabies for 2011-2015 has been adopted in the Vitebsk region. According to the Vitebsk Regional Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health, in 2011, immunization of wild animals by aerial distribution of blister baits was carried out over an area of 20.1 thousand sq. km. In addition, 2.9 thousand foxes, 2.7 thousand raccoon dogs, and over 400 wolves were shot. Last year, 3.1 thousand people in the region sought rabies vaccinations, of whom 187 were injured by animals diagnosed with rabies. Primarily, domestic and stray dogs attacked. Among the biters were also cats, foxes, raccoon dogs, wolves, cows, horses, pigs, and even rabbits. -0-

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