Rabies

About the Disease

Rabies is a disease that can kill people as well as animals. The disease is viral in nature and typically passed through contact with the saliva of an infected animal. People may get the disease by being bitten, licked, or scratched (saliva is often found on claws). Approximately twenty four hours after the virus enters the body it attacks the brain. Once this stage has been reached, it is incurable, and death eventually results.

Time is of the Essence

If rabies shots are given within the 24 hour initial exposure period, the disease can be prevented. As soon as possible after an animal bite, scrub the wound with soap and water for fifteen minutes. As a general rule, wash well with soap after any contact with a wild animal. Don't take any chances, report all bites to the proper authority in your area immediately! Often, you may call your county health department. If in doubt, or after hours, call your local hospital emergency room, or even 911.

A Rabid Animal

Rabies may cause the behavior of an animal to change. A friendly pet may want to be left alone; a shy pet may want attention and may seem unusually affectionate. The animal may be restless, have difficulty walking, eating, drinking, drool saliva, make strange noises, bite or scratch an old wound, or seem to be choking. The animal may become excited, confused, or vicious. It may attack people, other animals, or even fixed objects in its state of illness.

Warn children against touching, petting, picking up, or even going near any stray dog, cat, or wild animal. Children are often victims of rabies.

Wild Animals

Beware of any wild animal that seems to be tame, friendly, or is seen in the daytime. The fox, raccoon, and skunk are nocturnal animals which avoid people except in rare cases. When the virus affects their brains they may be seen in areas that are not their usual habitat. They may lose their fear of people and enter buildings, homes, and cars. They may attack anything with no provocation.

Wild Animals as Pets

There are no rabies vaccines available to immunize skunks, raccoons or other wild animals, be they pets or not. The skunk is the animal most commonly found to be rabid in the US, and is the most common cause of rabies in humans in the US. Skunks are very susceptible to rabies and when infected have large amounts of rabies virus in their saliva. Compounding the problem, pet skunks bite, and may develop rabies as much as six months after being exposed.

Any bat that can be approached is sick, and probably has rabies. Never touch a bat. Cover it with a trash can lid or similar until it can be disposed of. Oddly, squirrels are not a big source of rabies in this country. They typically either get away from a rabid attacker totally unscathed, or do not survive the attack. Squirrels are susceptible though, so watch for the warning signs.

What to report:

Confine the Suspect Animal

If possible, confine the animal so that it may be picked up by authorities for 10 day quarantine and observation. This is necessary so the attending physician can treat the victim properly.

Vaccinate Your Pet

Vaccinations are available for both dogs and cats, and are almost universally required by law. Your pet must be vaccinated if four months or older. They should receive their first two vaccinations one year apart, with boosters following every three years. Contact your vet today to make an appointment. Losing your pet to rabies is tragic, and your pet will be dangerous to you and everyone else. Don't think it can't happen to your pet just because he is in a fenced area, or stays inside. It only takes one mishap and all is lost.