Prompted by a friendly cat in Tenerife, this article explores the near-zero risk of rabies on the Canary Islands. Thanks to strict animal import controls and geographic isolation, the islands have remained rabies-free for years, with no reported cases in domestic animals or humans. While bat-borne lyssaviruses exist in parts of Europe, they haven’t been detected here. The article reassures readers that Tenerife’s cats are safe to admire, though caution is always advisable for animal bites due to the risk of bacterial infections.

It started with a cat. More specifically, a friendly little tabby sauntering past the terrace of Akira Back in Tenerife. The kind of cat that invites a passing pat on the head with an almost irresistible nonchalance. I hesitated, not because the cat looked untrustworthy, but because, somewhere in the back of my mind, a question formed: what are the odds of rabies here?

For something so unlikely, rabies still looms large in our collective imagination. The word alone conjures up images of growling dogs, frothing mouths, and a sense of ancient menace. But what are the actual chances of contracting rabies in Tenerife, or anywhere in the Canary Islands for that matter?

Rabies-Free Islands

The Canary Islands, including Tenerife, have been officially rabies-free for years. Spain as a whole enforces strict rules to maintain this status, particularly when it comes to importing pets. Any animal arriving on the islands must be vaccinated and accompanied by the right paperwork, ensuring rabies doesn’t hitch a ride across borders.

Unlike some parts of the world where rabies is a real risk, terrestrial rabies, that is, rabies carried by land mammals like dogs and cats, simply doesn’t exist here. There have been no reported cases of rabies in domestic animals or humans in Tenerife.

A Historical Perspective

Rabies has been present in parts of mainland Europe for centuries, but the Canary Islands have largely avoided its spread. The archipelago’s geographical isolation has played a significant role in keeping it rabies-free. While the mainland dealt with outbreaks in the past, the islands’ ability to control animal movements has provided a natural buffer.

Bats, however, are an exception worth mentioning. Across Europe, bats can carry rabies-like lyssaviruses. Thankfully, there’s no evidence of these viruses circulating in bat populations within the Canary Islands. Nevertheless, it’s always wise to avoid handling wild bats, here or anywhere.

Why the Question Matters

Despite its rarity, rabies remains a uniquely unsettling disease. Once symptoms appear, it’s virtually untreatable, a fact that gives even the tiniest risk an outsized sense of importance. But in places like Tenerife, the reality is reassuring: the likelihood of contracting rabies from a friendly cat is effectively zero.

That said, hesitation around animal bites and scratches isn’t entirely misplaced. Wounds from cats, dogs, or even wildlife can harbour bacteria like Pasteurella or Staphylococcus, which can cause infections if left untreated. A thorough wash with soap and water, a check on your tetanus vaccination, and a quick trip to a doctor are usually all that’s needed for peace of mind.

In Summary

The thought sparked by that sunbathing tabby led me down a brief history of rabies in Tenerife and the Canary Islands. In short: there isn’t one. Stringent controls, an isolated geography, and a touch of good fortune have kept the islands free of rabies for generations.

So, if you find yourself in Tenerife, admiring the cats that have claimed the best spots in the sun, you can rest assured. The risk is near non-existent, though perhaps the cat would prefer you simply admired from a polite distance.

Please note: If you’re ever bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, it’s always a good idea to clean the wound thoroughly and seek medical advice, just to be safe.