| Rabies |
| Rabies is a virus-induced neurological disease that occurs in warm blooded animals. In all but the most rare cases it is fatal. When an infected animal bites, its saliva and the virus it contains will contaminate the wound. Following primary infection, the virus undergoes an incubation phase in which it cannot be easily detected within the host. This phase may last for several days or months. Investigations have shown evidence for direct entry of virus into peripheral nerves at the site of infection, as well as evidence for indirect entry after viral replication in non-nervous tissue (i.e., muscle cells). It is during this time that host immune defenses may play a role in the outcome of viral infection. The uptake of virus into peripheral nerves is important for a progressive infection to occur. Following uptake into peripheral nerves, rabies virus is transported to the central nervous system (CNS). Typically this occurs via sensory and motor nerves involved at the initial site of infection. The incubation period is the time of exposure to onset of clinical signs of disease. The incubation period may vary from a few days to several years, but typically lasts 1 to 3 months. Dissemination of virus within the CNS is rapid, with early involvement of limbic system neurons. Spread of virus within the CNS may lead to the invasion of highly innervated nerve sites of various tissues, including the salivary glands. It is during this period of cerebral infection that classic behavioral changes develop. Clinical Signs Changes in behavior resulting in wild animals losing their fear of humans, or nocturnal animals suddenly being seen in broad daylight. Friendly and happy pets can become apprehensive and may take to hiding. As the disease progresses the animal may become hypersensitive to stimuli. In this agitated state an animal may try to bite anything in it's way, a fence, a child, even imaginary objects, or they may exhibit the reverse; a dullness of senses, oblivious to their surroundings and seem to be in a stupor. Eventually this will give way to partial paralysis, predominately of the rear legs. Any unexplainable paralysis in your pet should be regarded as suspect of a rabies infection. Prevalence and Population Susceptibility Susceptibility among warm blooded species varies; birds being most resistant; dogs, cats, sheep horses, goats, non-human primates and humans are of intermediate susceptibility, and skunks, wild canines, raccoons, bats and cattle are most susceptible. Wild animals are the primary carriers of rabies, however, domesticated animals are the principle transmitters to humans. It has been observed world wide except in the islands of Japan, New Zealand, Hawaii and the British Isles. Animals with rabies are generally not treated at all because of the threat of transmission to humans. A rabid animal is usually placed in strict isolation or euthanised. Aggressive vaccination campaigns have been highly effective in controlling the spread of rabies, as is the spaying and neutering of strays. The disease is preventable, however, with pre-exposure vaccination. Zoonotic Risk Rabies is transmissible to humans. If you suspect you have been bitten by an animal exposed to rabies, seek medical treatment immediately. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek immediate treatment at the nearest hospital. Contrary to common belief, rabies treatment nowadays is no longer 'injections in the stomach'. Aside from the fact that the treatment is still injections, usually in the buttocks, that is the extent of the trauma. Do not delay. Methods of Prevention and Control The recommended vaccination schedule is as follows: In puppies at 3 to 4 months of age another one year following then annually or tri-annually depending upon the vaccine administered. Vaccination is the only sure way of preventing the disease, but minimizing risk of exposure is also important. Here are a few tips to put into practice: � Avoid contact with wild animals, stray dogs and cats � Keep your pets under control. Don't let them run free especially at night � Don't touch sick or injured animals because rabies does affect the central nervous system and cause paralysis in an animal � Protect your pets and livestock from contact with wildlife � With the threat of raccoon rabies, do not attempt to raise orphan raccoons It is important that you monitor your pets comings and goings, especially if there is a large stray population in your area or if they routinely come into contact with wild animals. Keep track of your pet's vaccination schedules and keep them up to date. Any animal who has been vaccinated against rabies but who has been bitten by a suspected animal should immediately receive another vaccination and quarantined and observed for 90 days. The usual procedure for an un-vaccinated animal who has been bitten by a suspected rabies carrier is euthanasia, although if the owner is unwilling, the animal might be strictly quarantined for 6 months, vaccinated in 5 months and if no symptoms present, released if healthy at the conclusion of the quarantine period. Keep in mind however, most animal hospitals do not have these kinds of facilities at their disposal and the animal might be turned over to the local department of health. |
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