Rabies is one of the oldest recorded diseases in history and dates back to the Promosaic Eshunna Code which was written in about 2300 B.C. It is caused by an RNA virus which causes infection in all warm-blooded animals.

The virus can be found in nerve tissue, saliva and salivary glands, the pancreas, less often in urine and lymph, rarely in milk, and in other body fluids of infected animals. Rabies is more prevalent in temperate zones and when large numbers of un-vaccinated dogs and cats are present.
Rabid dogs and cats are the main source of human infections. Wild animals such as rabid skunks, foxes, raccoons, coyotes, bats, and bobcats are other infection sources.

Spread of rabies most commonly is by the bite of an infected animal, through presence of the virus in the saliva. Broken skin of the bite wound allows the rabies virus to get into the body where it can flourish.

Once inside the body the virus is drawn to the nerves and follows nerve fibers to the brain and salivary glands. After the virus infects the brain it reproduces rapidly, causing severe brain damage. The brain lesions lead to altered behavior, aggressiveness, progressive paralysis, and in most species death.

After the virus gets into the salivary glands, the infected animal can spread the virus by way of its contaminated saliva to susceptible animals.

Signs of the Disease
Not all rabid animals show the same signs of the disease. Some animals will ultimately show the classic “mad dog” behavior while others may withdraw fearfully to a dark, sheltered place.
A usually quiet, friendly cat may suddenly become aggressive and attack every moving object or person. A skunk, which normally moves at night, may appear in broad daylight and act as if it wants to be petted. A bat may be lying on a playground or sidewalk and bites when picked up.
Other than the altered behavior states, there are no specific signs which say that these animals are infected with rabies virus.

Diagnosis of rabies usually is based on the history and physical examination. A history of abnormal behavior, the suspected animal’s involvement in a fighting or biting episode, presence of rabies in the area, and the dog’s or cat’s vaccination record can be used as supportive information for diagnosing rabies.

Confining Dogs, Cats
Any unprovoked attack by an animal should suggest the possibility of rabies. Dogs and cats that are rabies suspects should be confined to a cage where they can be observed and fed without risk.
No acceptable diagnostic tests can be used to evaluate a live dog or cat for rabies. All laboratory tests for rabies are presently done on the dead animal.

The preferred technique to diagnose rabies is by using fluorescent antibody tests and by injecting brain tissue of the suspect animal into the brains of mice. Rabies virus will cause the death of the injected mice.

The inoculation test of mice is very sensitive for detecting the presence of rabies virus and has potentially saved many people from dying of rabies.

Act Fast. Although exposure to rabies is a cause for concern, when prompt action is taken there is no cause for panic or hysteria. If you or someone with you is bitten by a rabid animal you should:
1) Wash the wound vigorously with soap or detergent and flush it repeatedly with
large amounts of water.
2) Contact your physician as soon as possible about the bite wound and the type of animal that bit you, and
3) 3) Contact your veterinarian or local animal control officer and report the attack.
Keep track of the animal involved in the attack episode and where it can be found. Responsible authorities will either quarantine the animal for observation or kill the animal and check for the rabies virus.

Vaccination, to reduce your exposure to rabies, vaccinate all your dogs and cats and encourage your neighbors to do the same.

Rabies vaccines produced today for use in dogs and cats are both safe and effective. Their costs are relatively inexpensive when compared to the cost of confining an animal for observation or the loss of life of a human being.

Regular rabies vaccination every one to three years should be a part of any responsible pet health program. A dog or cat is never too old for a rabies vaccination.
No vaccines have been tested or approved for use in any wildlife species. Vaccination of wildlife species may cause rabies or death of the animal.

Popularity: 88%