Rabies in the red fox populations of Germany is not yet eradicated by means of vaccination. Lasting incidences are difficult to explain while a reformation of the current disease control is under discussion for economical but also for ecological reasons. Our simulation outcome suggests low-level persistance associated with spatio-temporal moving infection clusters as a potential behaviour of the immunised fox-rabies system. Based on this understanding we explain the lasting incidences and their detection difficulties. We furthermore analyse the temporal dynamic of a potential post-immunisation outbreak based on existing low-level persistence. Because of the obvious clear time horizon of a new outbreak its likely detection by the applied surveillance can be predicted. We recommend to use this insight to prepare more efficient local control strategies to deal with potential new outbreaks instead of prolonging the current large-scale programme.