Most of us know rabies is a deadly disease and our dogs and cats must be vaccinated against it. However, you may be unfamiliar with symptoms of the disease in humans as well as animals and how it is transmitted.
The rabies virus can be transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids such as saliva and brain tissue, although a bite from an infected animal is most often the cause. The incubation period can also vary greatly in animals.
According to the American Humane Association, the typical incubation period is three to eight weeks, but symptoms can begin in a little over one week.
If a human is bitten by an infected animal, it is crucial that they seek medical attention immediately. Rabies is fatal in almost all untreated human cases. While there is a human vaccine for rabies it is usually only given to veterinarians and veterinary medical support staff.
Animals with rabies often show aggression and will appear confused or even drunk. Eventually, the rabid animal will go into respiratory failure and die.
The most common rabies carriers in the U.S. are also commonly found in populated areas. Avoid contact with raccoons, bats, skunks and fox especially if you see them during the day, another sign of illness in wild animals.
Depending on where you live you may be required to keep up-to-date rabies vaccination records for your pets. In some states, annual rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats are not only necessary they are mandatory.
Rabies has been found on every continent except Antarctica and the island of Hawaii. Most developed countries have reduced rabies infection in humans and domestic animals significantly thru required vaccinations, however each year over 50,000 people die of rabies worldwide.
Even in the United States, it is still a cause for concern for people and their animal companions.