Effective Strategies to Prevent and Identify Rabies

We often think of rabies as a disease only found in wild animals we never come across. Hopefully, you won’t encounter it, but it’s still important to know what to look out for. Whether you live in the city, the suburbs, or on a farm, you might run into a rabid animal. Rabies is a viral infection that affects mammals and spreads through saliva, entering the body via cuts or bites. Rabid animals pose a danger to your family and pets, so be extremely cautious if you suspect an animal is infected.

Any mammal can carry rabies, but it’s most commonly found in raccoons, bats, foxes, dogs, cats, and skunks. Recognizing rabies often involves noting unusual behavior. For instance, some animals may become aggressive or excessively nervous, while others might appear sluggish and struggle to move. Another sign can be excessive drooling due to increased saliva production. Animals that are usually nocturnal, like raccoons and bats, may be seen during the daytime if they are disoriented by the disease. Seeing such animals out in daylight is a strong indicator that they may be rabid, and you should keep your distance.

Generally, it’s wise never to approach wild animals. They might not only carry rabies but also be naturally aggressive. If you’re bitten by a wild animal, regardless of whether it seems rabid, seek medical attention immediately. Even if you don’t get bitten, but encounter an animal acting strange, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor since rabies can, in rare cases, be transmitted through airborne saliva particles. Also, notify animal control if you spot an oddly behaving wild animal near your home.

A crucial preventive measure is ensuring your pets are regularly vaccinated against rabies, especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors. Unvaccinated pets can catch rabies from wild animals and pose a risk to your family. Rabies treatment is most effective when started early; once symptoms appear, treatment is generally ineffective, and the disease is almost always fatal.