Rabies

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Rabies is a fatal disease for humans and warm-blooded animals and occurs in Svalbard. The disease can be prevented through vaccination, but it cannot be treated after the infected person has developed clinical symptoms. The Norwegian Institute of Public Health recommends that everyone who will come into contact with wild animals in Svalbard is vaccinated.

Hunting
Hunters must take rabies into account when planning and conducting hunting as well as handling slaughter. Everyone participating in hunting in Svalbard should be fully vaccinated against rabies. 

People with a weakened immune system may have uncertain effects from the vaccine and should not participate in hunting.

Only animals that are behaving normally should be hunted. Avoid animals that show no fear of humans, wander aimlessly, are disoriented, appear sick, paralyzed or partially paralyzed.

Slaughter from visibly sick animals, or animals with unusual behavior, should not be handled.

If hunters observe sick animals or animals with abnormal behavior, this must be reported to the Governor so that they can consider whether the animal should be euthanized and examined for rabies. This should be reported by calling the Governor's on-duty phone: (+47) 79 02 12 22.

Regardless of whether you have been previously vaccinated, anyone exposed to an infectious agent must contact the health service as soon as possible. It is important to remember that rabies is a fatal disease.

Remember good hygiene during slaughtering. It is important to use good protective equipment, such as eye protection and good gloves to avoid cuts and splashes.