Rabies - What is It?
My-Dog.info > Dog Diseases, Bites, Worms & Ticks
Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous
system of warm-blooded animals, including humans. Once symptoms
appear, rabies is always fatal in animals and people.
In Canada the animals that most often transmit rabies are
foxes, skunks, bats, and raccoons.
How is it transmitted?
Rabies is transmitted through saliva -- primarily via bite
wounds. But it can also be spread by infected saliva entering an
open cut or wound, or contacting a mucous membrane, such as those
in the mouth, nasal cavity or eyes.
When the virus enters the animal's body, it spreads through
the nerves to reach the brain. Once it's in the brain it
multiplies quickly, and that's when clinical signs appear. The
virus then moves from the brain to the salivary glands and other
parts of the body.
It's important to note, however, that an animal can be
infectious (able to transmit the disease) a few days before
showing clinical signs of rabies.
How long does it take to develop?
The incubation period, which is the time between exposure to
the virus and clinical disease, may be from two weeks to many
months. Its length depends on a number of factors, including the
strain of rabies, and the location of the bite.
How can I tell if an animal has rabies?
Animals with rabies may show a variety of different signs.
Most of them relate to the effect of the virus on the brain.
Rabies can appear in two basic forms, dumb rabies and furious
rabies.
Dumb Rabies
- Owners may notice that their animal is depressed, and
trying to hide in isolated places.
- Wild animals may lose their fear of humans, and appear
unusually friendly.
- Wild animals that usually only come out at night may be
out during the day.
- The animal may have paralysis. Areas most commonly
affected are the face or neck, causing abnormal facial
expressions or drooling, or the body, usually the hind
legs.
Furious rabies
- Animals may become very excited and aggressive.
- Periods of excitement usually alternate with periods of
depression.
- The animal may attack objects or other animals. They may
even bite or chew their own limbs.
What should I do if I think an animal is rabid?
If it's a wild animal, stay away from it. Owners of pets and
livestock should keep their animals confined in isolation, away
from other people and animals.
Rabies is a reportable disease. This means that if you suspect
that an animal is rabid, or you think that your animal has been
exposed to rabies, you are required by law to report it. Call
your nearest office of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, which
is listed in the blue pages of your phone book. An inspector from
the agency will investigate all calls.
What should be done if a person has been exposed to a suspect
animal?
Medical authorities recommend that you immediately wash the
wound or exposed surface with soap and water. Remove any clothing
that may have been contaminated.
Call your family doctor, or go to the nearest hospital
emergency department. The doctor who treats you will notify the
local medical officer of health. As long as you seek treatment
promptly following exposure to a rabid animal, the disease can be
prevented.
What can I do to help prevent the spread of rabies?
- Have your pets vaccinated against rabies as recommended
by your veterinarian.
- Don't let your pets roam free.
- Avoid animals that are behaving strangely.
- Keep a safe distance from wildlife, even if they look
healthy. Do not attempt to raise orphaned wild animals.
- Teach your children not to handle wildlife - or pet
animals that they do not know.
- Report all animal bites to your district veterinarian.
- People who work in occupations that bring them into
regular contact with animals (such as veterinarians,
trappers and park rangers), should protect themselves
through pre-exposure vaccination.
SOURCE : Canadian Food Inspection Agrency (CFIA)
Reprinted with permission from www.animalhealthcare.ca
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