**UK Travellers to Turkey Urged to Avoid Stray Dogs Amid Rabies Concerns**
Holidaymakers planning trips to Turkey have been cautioned by the UK government against approaching stray dogs due to heightened fears over the risk of rabies and other animal-borne diseases. This warning comes amid the ongoing popularity of Turkey as a destination for British tourists, with certain locations even earning accolades for affordability and family appeal.
Turkey’s appeal as a tourist hotspot is well-established, with resorts like Marmaris — recently named by Post Office Travel Money as the most cost-effective European short-haul option for UK families — attracting hundreds of thousands each year. The city’s competitive holiday prices, including a three-course meal for a family of four for under £70, continue to draw families seeking value for money.
However, behind the lure of sun, culture, and affordability lies an important public health message being issued by British authorities. The UK Foreign Office has issued specific advice regarding Turkey’s sizeable population of stray dogs, citing both safety and health risks. Stray dogs are said to form packs in public spaces, parks, and softer outskirts of cities, and authorities warn they can be unpredictable and potentially aggressive.
Official guidance states, “Take care and do not approach stray dogs. If you’re bitten, seek medical attention immediately.” The warning underscores that rabies remains present among both wild and domestic animals in Turkey, placing it in the ‘high risk’ category for the disease on the UK government’s global rabies risk register.
Rabies, which is primarily transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals, is almost always fatal if left untreated. Crucially, prompt medical action — such as immediate thorough cleaning of bite or scratch wounds with soap and water, and seeking hospital care — can prevent the onset of the disease if exposure occurs. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) stresses the importance of vigilance and swift response for anyone exposed to animals in countries where rabies is present.
While rabies has been effectively eliminated from the UK’s wild and domestic animal populations — with rare exceptions among certain bat species — the risk persists for travellers abroad. There have been no reported cases of human rabies acquired from UK-based animals (excluding bats) since 1902. However, in the last quarter-century, six UK residents are known to have contracted rabies following exposures overseas.
The risk of rabies is not confined to Turkey; the UKHSA notes that the disease is endemic in other parts of the world, particularly across Asia and Africa. Travellers bound for regions where rabies remains a concern are strongly urged to avoid contact with unfamiliar dogs, cats, and other mammals, and to consider consulting a healthcare professional about pre-travel rabies vaccination.
Additional guidance from the NHS advises anyone bitten, scratched, or licked on an open wound by an animal in affected regions — or by bats, even in the UK — to thoroughly wash the area and to seek medical attention without delay. The rabies vaccine is recommended for those visiting high-risk areas, especially if extended outdoor activities or close animal contact are expected.
As UK tourists look ahead to their summer holidays and family getaways in Turkey and elsewhere, experts stress that preparation remains key. Staying informed about local health risks, observing advice regarding animal avoidance, and ensuring up-to-date vaccinations, together offer reassurance and allow holidaymakers to focus on enjoying their travels safely.
Ultimately, by adhering to these precautionary guidelines, British tourists can minimise potential health risks and make the most of Turkey’s famed hospitality, landscapes, and value-for-money experiences.