Lecture 3: Rabies

True or false: all mammals are believed to be susceptible.

true

What wildlife is most commonly infected with rabies?

raccoons, skunks, foxes

All bites from raccoons, skunks, and foxes should be considered _______, unless tested negative.

exposures

True or false: rodents are considered reservoirs for rabies.

false

True or false: the U.S. has been declared free of canine rabies virus variant transmission.

true

True or false: since 2000, more cats than dogs are diagnosed with rabies.

true

When do dogs, cats, and ferrets infected with rabies shed the virus?

for a few days prior to, and during, clinical signs

The incubation period of rabies is highly ______. and can range from several days to _____.

variable; 6 months

How is rabies shed in dogs?

in saliva up for up to 5-10 days before clinical signs develop

How is rabies clinically presented in animals?

inappetence, dysphagia, cranial nerve deficits, abnormal behavior, ataxia, paralysis, altered vocalization, seizures

The case definition of rabies requires lab confirmation by:

• positive direct fluorescent antibody test OR

• isolation of rabies virus (cell culture or lab animal)

Other than a bite wound, how can rabies be transmitted from animal to human?

• surgical recipi

What animal exposure deserves special consideration?

any direct contact with a bat

What is the only known human to human transmission of rabies?

organ transplantation

What are the two rabies vaccines licensed for human use in the US?

• human diploid cell vaccine (HDCV)

• Purified chick embryo cell vaccine (PCECV)

What provides rapid passive immunity to rabies for about 21 days?

RIG

Describe the pre-exposure rabies prevention in humans.

two doses of a RV (days 0 and 7) with follow up serologic testing or booster after 3 years

What is the post-exposure to rabies regimen in humans not previously vaccinated?

• wound treatment

• RIG, concurrent with 1st dose of RV

• 4 doses of RV (days 0, 3, 7, 14)

What is the post-exposure to rabies regimen in humans who have been previously vaccinated?

• wound treatment

• RV on days 0 and 3

What is the NASPHV recommendation for rabies prevention in domestic animals?

• all dogs, cats, and ferrets vaccinated

• remove strays and unwanted animals (impound for 3 days in case of ownership or potential exposure)

True or false: there is a licensed parenteral rabies vaccine for use in wild animals or wild hybrids.

false

When are animals considered immunized against rabies?

• 28 days post initial vaccination

• boostered animals are considered immediately immune

How often should pets be boostered for rabeis?

• one year after initial vaccination

• then, every 3 years

How is rabies controlled for in wildlife, specifically carnivores?

oral rabies vaccines (ORV) for mass vaccination in select situations (labeled for use only in raccoons and coyotes)

What species has had rabid animals reported from all 48 contiguous states?

bats

True or false: wild mammalian carnivores and bats unavailable for testing should be considered rabid.

true

What should occur for dogs, cats, and ferrets exposed to a rabid animal if unvaccinated?

• unvaccinated animals euthanized immediately

• if unwilling, immediately vaccinate and place in strict isolation for 4 mo (dogs and cats) or 6 mo (ferrets)

What should occur for dogs, cats, and ferrets exposed to a rabid animal if vaccinated?

revaccinated immediately and observed by owner for 45 days

What must occur in when a rabies exposed animal develops any illness?

reported immediately to health dept

How long is commercial slaughter prohibited for post-exposure?

8 months

Why is cooking and pasteurizaiton important, in relation to rabies virus?

inactivates rabies virus

Regardless of vaccination status, how long must dogs, cats, or ferrets who bite a human be confined and observed for?

10 days