Rabies is a zoonotic disease (a disease that can be passed to people from animals). It is also a quite serious disease because it is almost always fatal for the animal or person infected.
What Causes Rabies?
Rabies is caused by a virus. The most common way that rabies is transmitted is through a bite wound from an infected animal. However, the disease can also be passed to a person or another animal through contact of infected saliva with a break in the skin or an open wounds. If infected saliva contacts the mucous membranes, like those found in the eyes or the mouth, the virus may be passed and the disease transmitted as well.
All mammals are susceptible to rabies but the disease is more commonly seen in some animal species than in others. Skunks, raccoons, fox, coyotes and bats are the species where rabies is most often seen.
Dogs and cats are most often exposed to rabies through contact with infected wildlife. People may be exposed through contact with infected wildlife or infected pets.
Rabies is serious zoonotic threat to both pets and people. For that reason, most communities have laws or regulations that require the vaccination of pets against rabies.
Protecting Your Pet and Your Family from the Zoonotic Disease Rabies
There are several measures you can take to help keep your pets and your family safe from the threat of rabies.
- Keep your pets, including all dogs, cats and ferrets, up to date on their rabies vaccines. If your pet is unvaccinated and is exposed to rabies, public health officials may recommend that your pet be euthanized.
- Do not allow your pet to run at large.
- Do not approach or try to handle wildlife.
- Cover all garbage cans securely to avoid attracting raccoons and other wildlife to your yard.
- Do not feed wildlife in your yard. Doing so will encourage the animal to return to your yard.
- If you feed your pets outside, do not leave the food outside. Remove the feeding dish and any uneaten food once your pet has finished eating to avoid attracting wildlife and stray animals.
Following these simple recommendations will help prevent both your pet and your family from being exposed to rabies.