Protecting yourself and your Pet from Rabies

Rabies is a disease affecting both humans and animals. The rabies virus is secreted in the saliva of an infected animal, which transfers it to humans and other animals by a bite. The disease affects the brain and spinal cord leading to encephalitis and eventual death.

Dog bites are the main source of rabies in human. Most cases of rabies in animals occur in wild animals such as skunks, raccoons, bats and foxes.

Of the 55,000 deaths that occur each year from rabies, almost all occurred in Africa and Asia. About 1/2 of these are children under 15 years. Stray dogs were the principal cause of rabies in these cases.

Rabies is a preventable disease but it is also un-treatable. There has been only one known un-vaccinated survivor. Pre-exposure immunization is recommended for high risk individuals: those traveling to endemic countries and students entering veterinary school.

What if I am exposed to rabies?
The likelihood of developing rabies will depend on the nature and the type of exposure.

Prevention is the key to eradicating the disease. Post-exposure immunization and proper wound management are important. Studies have shown that wound cleansing without other post-prophylaxis reduces the risk of developing the disease. Treatment must begin immediately:

• Wash the wound for about 10 minutes with soap and water.
• See a health professional without delay.
• Report the bite to public health authorities.
• If possible safely isolate the animal in a contained place

Types of Exposures:

The bite: This is any penetration of the skin by the teeth, and is the way rabies is transmitted. All bites pose a threat, but the risk varies with the type of animal, the site of the bite and the extent of the wound.

The non-bite: the non bite exposure rarely causes rabies, but should it occur, it should be evaluated by a physician for possible post-exposure prophylaxis. If infected body fluid from a rabid animal comes in contact with open wounds, scratches, abrasions or mucous membranes this will constitute a non-bite exposure.

Post-exposure immunization will be administered based on the type of exposure and the animal involved. Those who have never been vaccinated against rabies will have both a human immune globulin and a rabies vaccine. Those who have been previously vaccinated will be given the rabies vaccine only. If you have not received tetanus vaccine in 10 years you will be given a tetanus booster. Each case will be assessed for the need for antibiotic. Closing of the wound will be the decision of the physician.

Signs and Symptoms in Human
Although most people develop signs and symptoms within 4 weeks, symptoms in humans may not appear before a year. Early symptoms may include:

• Pain, numbness or burning at the site
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Abdominal pain
• Anxiety or agitation

Later on hallucinations, delirium, spasms of the muscles, face, neck or diaphragm may be apparent. In some cases such as rabies from bats paralysis may be the only symptom.

Signs and Symptoms in Animals
Some animals may exhibit no outwards signs at all, while paralysis may be the only sign in others. There may be fearfulness, aggression, excessive drooling or difficulty swallowing. Changes in behavior may be apparent.

What to do if my pet is bitten?

• Take to a veterinarian immediately
• Report the incident to local animal control authorities.
• Vaccinate the pet immediately
• Isolate for six months if possible.
• The pet may have to be euthanize if not previously vaccinated

Controlling Rabies

If you are a pet owner your responsibility is in taking care of the pet. To reduce your chance of exposure to the virus, you want to be cautious in handling animals.

• Do not allow your pets to roam
• Do not keep wild animals as pets, it may be illegal
• Even if a rabid animal appears tame, don’t go near it
• Have your dogs and cats vaccinated against rabies
• Report any animal acting bizarrely to local animal control
• Consider animal birth control for your dogs and cats to prevent unwanted pets
• Supervise children when they are around dogs