Pet health: Rabies, a real public health concern

A few months ago, our neighboring county to the north, Christian County, reported two Rabies cases in wildlife. Both of these cases were skunks and the virus was diagnosed after a rabid skunk bit a dog. This has generated a lot of both curiosity and concern about the Rabies virus. I want to take the time to educate the public on this disease as well as the public health concerns surrounding it. 

Rabies is a viral infection that attacks the nervous system caused by Rhabdovirus. Once outward signs of disease are present, the virus is almost always fatal. The virus is widespread in the United States, and as noted above, it does exist here in the Ozarks as well. Wildlife such as skunks, racoons, foxes, coyotes, and bats are the most common carriers. In Missouri and most of the Midwest, skunks and bats are the most common carriers. In other states, particularly the eastern seaboard states, racoons are the most common carriers. 

Signs of Rabies in wildlife include but are not limited to unusual or abnormal behavior, such as aggression, no fear of humans, lethargy, or unusual tameness. Other symptoms may include circling, staggering, partial paralysis, difficulty swallowing, drooling, and/or self-mutilation. Note that the majority of these signs are neurological in nature. 

The key is that if you see wildlife in a strange location, especially in daylight, you should already be concerned that the animal is likely sick. Under no circumstances should you touch the animal, risking getting bit. Any noticeable signs of illness should prompt one to immediately contact their local animal control or local wildlife agency. A professional can then assess the animal and test it for Rabies if warranted. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99% of human Rabies cases in the world are secondary to dog bites. This is predominantly noted in third world countries such as Africa and India, where the stray dog population is high. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), currently in the United States, contact with infected bats is the leading cause of human Rabies cases and death. It is not unusual for one-two humans in the United States to die annually due to Rabies and at least seven out of 10 Americans who die from Rabies were infected from bats.  Proof that the Ozarks region is not immune to risk of this deadly virus, in 2008 and again in 2014, a human died of Rabies in Missouri, both cases involving bats. 

Anytime a bite takes place, the bite wound should be immediately washed and immediate medical care should be sought. Due to the severity of the Rabies virus and since it is spread via bite wounds, any time a person gets bit by a dog or a cat, the bite is required to be reported to the health department. At that time, an animal control officer is consulted and the pet will be placed on a mandatory 10-day quarantine and observed for signs of the Rabies virus. 

If your pet has been bitten by another animal, dog, cat, or wildlife, please consult with your veterinarian immediately as well as the local animal control. The first thing that will be determined in bites between domestic animals/pets is if they are up to date on a Rabies vaccine. A mandatory 10-day quarantine will also be conducted to observe the pet for signs of illness, again, particularly neurological signs. 

There are no successful medical treatments for Rabies at this time for clinical infections in humans or animals. Prompt vaccination is highly successful at preventing disease though. 

In the state of Missouri, all dogs and cats 12 weeks of age and older are required by law to have a Rabies vaccine. Also, it is important to note that a licensed veterinarian is the only person who can legally administer a Rabies vaccine. Once your pet has had the initial vaccine, it is paramount to make sure the vaccine is current throughout the life of your pet. Local jurisdictions such as the city or county you reside in dictate if this is annual, biennial, or triennial administration. 

As a small animal veterinarian, the bulk of my work is focused on preventative medicine. There are many viruses that can affect our pets and most of these viruses also are completely preventable with vaccinations. Rabies is hands down the most common vaccine we administer in the clinic to protect dogs and cats, as it should be. Yet, I am concerned with how many pets are not receiving preventative health care, including a Rabies vaccine. This is putting not just the pet at risk but every member of the household and anyone who comes into contact with that pet such as a delivery person. If you have an elderly pet or pet with chronic illness, you are likely very concerned with your pet receiving vaccinations, even a Rabies vaccine. Exemptions may be warranted; however, this still has to be provided in the form of a written waiver from a licensed veterinarian who has examined the pet. Please seek the help of a veterinarian or public health professional if you have any questions or concerns centered around Rabies.