Knowledge about Rabies in Dogs

1. Knowledge about Rabies in Dogs Facts The rabies virus is among the most widely known of diseases. Thanks to active vaccination and eradication strategies it was only three confirmed cases of human rabies throughout the United States in 2006, however, 45,000 people were exposed to the virus and required post-exposure vaccinations as well as injections of antibodies. In other regions of the world, human cases and deaths from rabies are significantly higher. In the world, one person is killed by rabies every 10 minutes. Who is at risk? Individuals who work in close proximity to wildlife, veterinarians, or travelers are at the greatest chance of being exposed. There is a vaccine accessible to protect people at risk. Animals who come into contact with wildlife but who aren't vaccinated are at a greater chance of being infected. While the likelihood of being exposed to the virus is extremely minimal, the risk exists. Due to the nature of the way carriers move it is always a possibility of being exposed. Transmission of the disease Transmission of this disease nearly always happens as a result of an animal infected with the disease biting a non-infected animal. Raccoons, foxes, skunk’s bats, coyotes, and raccoons are the species most likely to spread the virus. There have been cases

2. of infection reported from the release of aerosols in caves, where large numbers of bats infected reside. The rabies virus doesn't stay long outside of the hosts and can be found within carcasses of affected creatures for less than 24hrs. The rabies virus can be shed with high amounts of saliva. But, being infected by a rabid animal does not indicate that the creature (or human) is infected. There is a possibility that around 15% of people who are exposed are likely to be affected by the disease. Cats, human beings, and dogs are slightly susceptible to the disease. Symptoms When coming into proximity to the virus the animal that has been bitten could undergo one or more of the phases. In the majority of animals, the virus is likely to propagate by the nerves that are present in the animal to the brain. The virus moves relatively slowly and the typical time of incubation after exposure to brain involvement is 3 and 8 weeks for dogs, between 2 and 6 weeks for cats, and between 3 and six weeks for humans. However, incubation times that last as long as 6 months for the dogs, and as long as 12 months in humans have been observed in humans. When the virus is in the brain, it moves to the salivary glands, where it could be spread by bites. Once the virus has reached the brain, the animal may exhibit one, two, or all three distinct stages. How does rabies spread? The rabies virus is spread through saliva from affected animals. Most people contract the virus after being bitten by an affected animal, however, any contact with the saliva of an animal that is infected (alive or deceased) could lead to an infection if there is an opening in their skin or the saliva is absorbed into their nose, eyes or mouth. Rabies cannot be contracted from the blood, urine, or feces of an infected animal, or by touching or touching animals. For more information visit our website creature companion