rabies test

How is rabies spread?

Spread through bites or scratches from an infected animal

Post- exposure prophylaxis (PEP)

Medical care following a rabies exposure

Animals with rabies in the US

Bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes

What areas are in risk of rabies?

Africa, Asia, central and South America

5 ways to prevent rabies

1. Make sure pets are up to date on rabies vaccines

2. Leaving wildlife alone

3. Calling animal control to remove stray animals from neighborhoods

4. Washing bites or scratches immediately after rabies exposure

5. Seek medical care immediately if exposed

Incubation period

The time between exposure and the appearance of symptoms

Symptoms of rabies in humans

Weakness or discomfort, fever, headache, itching sensation

What tissue is submitted for testing?

Brain tissue

Clinical signs of rabies in animals

Abnormal behavior, lethargy, fever, vomiting, seizures, aggression, weakness, excessive salivation

PPE equipment

Gloves, face and eye covering, mask, lab coat

Unvaccinated animals that bitten a person

If showing signs consistently of rabies they are Euthanized and tested

Vaccinated animals suspected of rabies when bitten a person

Confined and observed for 10 days, if signs develop animal is euthanized

Vaccinated animals after rabies exposure

Receive immediate booster vaccination and kept under owner supervision to be monitored for 45 days

Unvaccinated animals after rabies exposure

Euthanized unless owner declines, dogs and cats need 4 month quarantine while ferrets have 6 month quarantine

How many injections of vaccine would you receive total?

5 doses