Rabies has been documented for over 4000 years.  It infects only mammals, including humans, and is caused by a virus that invades and disrupts the central nervous system.

The virus is transferred through saliva, usually via a bite from an infected animal. More rarely, it can be transferred by infected saliva invading an open cut, or even the eyes, nose, or mouth of another person or animal. 

Birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians cannot get rabies. Also, humans or animals cannot contact rabies via blood, urine or feces, or by simply touching an infected animal.

Its important to recognize that despite significant diagnostic and prevention advances, rabies still can be fatal for unvaccinated pets, and for humans who become infected and do not receive treatment.

The Best Defense

Regular rabies vaccinations are required by law for dogs and cats. Colorado State University Veterinary College now suggests having your horse vaccinated as well. And, in fact, regularly vaccinating your pets against rabies is the best prevention safeguard for you, your family, your pet, and your community.

Prevention Starts Early

Puppies can receive their first rabies vaccine at 4 months of age, to be followed by a rabies booster at 12 months of age.  Another booster will be needed when your puppy reaches 2 years of age.  After that, your veterinarian will let you know what your state or county requires regarding scheduling regular rabies boosters as required by law.

Don't  Forget Your Cat

Today, rabies is not common in U.S. domestic pets or livestock, because most are regularly vaccinated.  However, among reported domestic rabies cases, cats are seeing increased incidents.  This may be because many pet owners are unaware that cats are actually more prone to contact with infected wildlife (e.g., bats) and should, therefore, be regularly vaccinated.

Rabies in the U.S.

Only 27 cases of human rabies have been reported in the United States since 1990. Nevertheless, rabies has been reported in every state except Hawaii.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) 2006 report notes that 49 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico reported 6,940 cases of rabies in animals, as well as 3 human cases, a 8.2% increase from 2005.  Although human deaths attributed to rabies now are rare in the U.S., nearly 40,000 people annually receive post-exposure treatment for rabies.

The majority of U.S. rabies cases is attributable to wildlife (92%), with the greatest incidence occurring along the Eastern Seaboard (Maine to Florida).  However, the virus is also found in the Midwest, particularly the northern areas, and along the Southwest/Mexico border.  Cases are also reported along the California coast and in Alaska.

While rabid bats have been found in all of the Lower 48 continuous states, raccoons remain the most frequently reported rabid animal in the U.S.  Specifically, the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA) notes that the strongest raccoon rabies reservoir exists along the Eastern Seaboard, from Maine to Florida. 
In the Midwest, the upper Western States, and along the California coast, the AVMA reports that skunks are most often reported.  In the Southwest and in Alaska, fox make up the dominant rabies reservoir.

What to Do If You're Bitten

If you are bitten or scratched by any animal:

Immediately clean the area with soap and water for at least 5 minutes.

Quickly see a health professional (i.e., within 24 to 48 hours).

Notify your state or local health department.

What to Do If Your Pet Is Bitten?

Immediately consult your veterinarian to first assure that your pet's vaccination is current, and secondly to ascertain whether your pet needs medical attention to the wound. You also need to report the bite to local animal control authorities.


Want to Do More to Prevent Rabies in Your Community?  

Help Prevent Rabies by taking these commonsense steps:

Make sure your pets and livestock are regularly vaccinated;

Don't let pets roam free.  Keep cats/ferrets indoors, and supervise dogs when outside.

Don't leave exposed garbage or pet food outside; it may attract wild or stray animals.

Don't keep wild animals as pets.  Not only may this be illegal, but also wild animals pose a potential rabies threat to caretakers and others.

Observe wild animals from a safe distance, even if they appear tame.

If you see a wild animal acting strangely, report it to the city or county animal control department.
Bat-proof* your home and other structures to stop bats from nesting or having access to people.

*See bat-proofing recommendations at:

http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/bats/management/index.html

For More Information and Statistics, visit:

American Veterinary Medical Association of Animal Health
http://www.avma.org/animal_health/default.asp