Rabies virus is a serious and deadly disease, so pet owners should be aware of the dangers and laws concerning rabies.
Rabies is a virus that is passed between mammals, including humans. the main reservoir hosts of rabies virus include: bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes. (Although not impossible, opossums and rodents rarely carry the rabies virus). the virus is usually transmitted by bite wounds, or sometimes by contact with the saliva of an infected animal. it is not transmitted through the blood. the virus enters the tissues, and uses the peripheral nervous system to move toward the central nervous system. Eventually, the virus reaches the brain, where it leads to encephalitis causing death.
The timeline of progression from bite to death can vary greatly. usually, incubation from the time of the bite to onset of symptoms is about 3-12 weeks, but can be as long as a two years. Once the virus has reached the brain and neurological symptoms are present, death will result in 7-10 days. it is only during this 7-10 day period of time that the virus can be transmitted to other mammals.
Worldwide, approximately 55,000 people die each year of rabies. most of these deaths are in Asia and Africa, but a few humans die each year in the United States from rabies virus. there have only been 6 humans known to survive after having been infected with rabies, and 5 of those were left with severe brain damage. in 2006, a study by the CDC (Center for Disease Control) indicated that 113,000 animals were submitted that year for rabies testing, and 6,940 of those were positive for rabies. Wild animals accounted for 92% of the positive cases, and domestic pets accounted for 8%.
Since the virus is a public health concern, there are many regulations concerning the vaccination of domestic pets, testing and treatment for bite victims, and special circumstances involving strays or unclaimed animals.
In the state of Arkansas, all dogs, cats, and ferrets should be vaccinated at 12 weeks, a booster one year later, then every third year.. (Domestic caged pets such as guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, and rabbits do not require vaccination, and bites from these pets are not considered a rabies risk). Wild kept mammals may be vaccinated, but their rabies certificate must state that the efficacy of the vaccine is unknown. (Skunks and bats from the wild are prohibited to keep as pets). To be legally recognized, a licensed veterinarian should administer the rabies vaccination. This will provide you with a tag and certificate proving vaccination status. Some individual local governments may then require your pet to be registered with the city as well.
If a pet bites someone, certain state laws apply. the pet may be placed in quarantine or euthanized and rabies tested when the bite occurs on the head/face, or involves very deep/multiple wounds. during these circumstances, the physician and state health officials have the authority to determine the safest plan of action for the victim, and to choose between quarantine or testing. if the pet is current on its rabies vaccination, this weighs heavily in the final disposition of your pet.
The quarantine period consists of a ten-day period of strict isolation from humans and other animals. the facility must be approved by animal control, and must include before and after examinations by a veterinarian. after the ten-day period, if the dog has shown no neurological symptoms of rabies, the dog will be vaccinated, if needed, and released. the quarantine, and subsequent vaccination will be at the owner’s expense. Additional penalties and fees may apply depending on local laws.
If the owner chooses not to quarantine, the dog will be humanely euthanized, and the brain tissue will be sent to the state lab for evaluation. there is no cost for the rabies testing, but the euthanasia and other applicable fees by the veterinarian will be at the owner’s expense.
All wild animals, or unclaimed strays that bite a human will be euthanized and tested immediately. in this scenario, the victim will be responsible for all applicable charges.
In any scenario, any person receiving a bite wound from any domestic or wild animal should seek medical attention. they may need to receive rabies post-exposure treatments. if the bite is from a wild animal, trapping or killing it to send for rabies testing is very helpful in determining a prognosis. the head/brain should not be damaged, and should be kept refrigerated (not frozen). Persons should not risk additional bites trying to capture the animal.