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.

ive been holding this rash for about 2 years, i havent been feeling symptoms of rabies. im not sure weather or not i do have but this rash has been on my finger for along time.. it has been itchy and sometimes it gets wounds, it doesnt heal. i usually heal faster then this. I have a dog but she was diagnose and no bats around my area, no animals has bit me on my finger, atleast that's what i think plz help~!!!

OMG go ask a doctor…if the only symptom you have is a rash and nothing else, i suggest a dermatologist. and rabies can't be transfered if there is not fluid to fluid contact, so unless your dog bit you or you were frenching her, you don't have rabies.

World Rabies Day observed on the 28th of September

World Rabies Day observed on the 28th of September every year is an attempt to spread the awareness about Rabies across the length and breadth of the World. this campaign talks about the anti-Rabies efforts. World Rabies Day works with a “One Medicine” approach, which aims at global Rabies control and prevention. 

In the year 2006, Alliance For Rabies Control was created. It is a UK registered charity which was created to eradicate Rabies worldwide by creating awareness, control and prevention. later in the year 2007, The World Rabies Day was inaugurated and is now followed globally. On the occasion of World Rabies Day, many events are held like educational seminars on Rabies, vaccination programs, marches etc. 

With the start of World Rabies Day, many hidden facts surfaced. One of the most important findings was that every year 55 people die out of Rabies, which leads to an average of 10 deaths every minute. 

What is Rabies?

Rabies is found in mammals both animals and human. It was generally believed that dogs are sensitive to Rabies but the recent studies have also shown Rabies cases in cats, bats, sheep, goats etc. The disease is generally more prevalent among domestic animals. 

The Rabies virus first affects the nervous system through a wound, then travels to the brain and follows the nerve pathway to muscles and other organs. It is contagious and one can get in contact to the virus in various ways. The most common and unusual way is through breathing. US researchers have found out that breathing in the air in caves can be one of the common reasons. Caves are generally infested with bats and an infected bat may leave the virus in the air. Other ways are through saliva, scratch or cut by someone who is Rabies infected.

Rabies Symptoms

In Animals – The symptoms generally show after 20 to 60 days of exposure to the virus. 

1.Animals become aggressive
2.Sensitive to touch
3.Erotic behaviour
4.Lethargic
5.Weak limbs
6.low groaning sound while sleeping, which is a sign of respiratory problem.

For animals, they usually don’t survive Rabies and death occurs in a few days time. 

In Human – The symptoms show up in 10 days time or sometimes it may even take months. 

1.Loss of appetite
2.Fever, fatigue and headache
3.Insomnia and depression
4.Hypersensitivity
5.Hallucination
6.Breathing problem

If immediate treatment is not taken, the victim is destined to sudden death. The death usually is due to cardiac or respiratory arrest. 

Rabies Vaccines

1.Make sure you take Rabies vaccines once you have any possible contact with the virus. For example if you have come in contact with a cut or a scratch by an animal, or a wound etc. Rabies Vaccines generally are a 28 day programme. Rabies immune globulin and the first dose of vaccine should be taken as soon as possible. Additional doses are given on the day, 3,7,14 and 28th day from the contact to the virus. 

Rabies vaccines can have common side effects like pain, swelling, itching, fever etc. These effects fade away within a few days. 

2.When you get yourself a pet, make sure you get it Rabies vaccine. this will reduce the chances of spreading the virus.

3.Wash your hands well after coming in contact with dust or dirt and specially after touching an animal.

4.clean your would immediately with antiseptic.

Only through prevention we can save many lives of both animals and human. Lets put in personal effort and get rid of the Rabies virus.

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