What is rabies?
Rabies is a fatal disease of the nervous system. It is caused
by a virus that can infect all warm-blooded animals, including
humans. The virus attacks the brain and spinal cord, causing
severe nervous system dysfunction and eventually death.
How is rabies transmitted?
The most common way to contract rabies is through a bite
from an infected animal. When a rabid animal bites, rabies
virus in its saliva passes through the broken skin of the
victim. Rabid cats can also transmit rabies through their
scratches if they have saliva on their paws.
In Alberta, the most common victims of rabies are wild animals.
Skunks have the highest rate of infection although bats, coyotes,
foxes, and raccoons are also very susceptible. Cats,
dogs, cattle and horses usually contract rabies through encounters
with rabid wildlife.
Signs of rabies
The symptoms of rabies can be quite varied. In general, the
disease shows three stages that occur in succession. (NOTE:
not every animal will display these signs, so any animal behaving
abnormally should be regarded with suspicion)
Stage 1 - Attitude Change
- The animal may show nervousness, shyness, aggression or
other changes in its normal personality.
- May show a lack of fear of humans.
Stage 2 - Furious or Excitable Phase
- Animals may become extremely agitated, or behave erratically.
- Animals may bite and snap at anything
- Wild animals may wander into unaccustomed areas and attack
livestock, people or pets.
- The tone of an animal’s voice may change as its vocal
cords become paralyzed.
- Seizures may occur.
Stage 3 - Paralysis
- Victims become progressively paralyzed.
- Animals may be unable to move their hind limbs and unable
to swallow, resulting in choking and frothing at the mouth.
- This phase ends in death, usually from paralysis of the
respiratory muscles.
Rabies cannot be diagnosed with certainty based on symptoms
alone. The suspicion of rabies can only be confirmed by testing
samples of an animal’s brain tissue.
Prevention
Vaccination is an inexpensive, effective means of protecting
your animals from rabies. All pets should be vaccinated regularly
against rabies. Large animals in high risk situations may also
need to be vaccinated. Your veterinarian can develop an appropriate
vaccination schedule for your animals.
You can minimize the risk of rabies by avoiding close contact
with wildlife. Remember, rabid animals often lose their fear
of humans and may appear unusually friendly. Also ensure your
house is unattractive to wild animals by keeping garbage bins
securely fastened and sheds and garages closed. If your
domestic animals are bitten or scratched by a wild animal, consult
your veterinarian immediately.
What if I think I’ve been exposed to rabies?
Prompt medical attention is essential. If you’ve been
bitten by any animal clean and disinfect the wound thoroughly,
then contact your physician or local health authority immediately.
If the biting animal can be confined without further
danger, it should be kept in a secure area to await
the arrival of public health authorities. In Canada, rabies
in animals is the responsibility of the Canadian Food Inspection
Agency (CFIA). Depending on the circumstances, the Agency may
choose to quarantine the animal for monitoring, or euthanize
it for testing. The animal’s vaccination status will influence
this decision. Your physician, public health official or veterinarian
will arrange for the CFIA’s involvement in the case.
Remember - rabies is a fatal disease! Every
biting incident should be investigated, even if the animal in
question appears healthy.
Post exposure treatment
If rabies exposure cannot be ruled out, people who are bitten
are treated with a series of injections. There is no
treatment for animals that have been exposed to rabies. In
both humans and animals the disease is almost always fatal once
signs of nervous system dysfunction appear. For more information
about rabies, contact your local veterinarian.
If you want to travel with your pet:
Owners are required to present proof of current rabies vaccinations
at customs for dogs and cats traveling to certain countries
outside Canada. A period of quarantine (usually six months)
may be required. Before you travel abroad with your pet, contact
your veterinarian.
Minimize the risk
- Vaccinate pets and high risk livestock regularly - see your
veterinarian.
- Keep away from wild animals, no matter how friendly they
appear.
- Keep wild animals away - securely fasten garbage bins and
close garages and sheds.
