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Division of Animal Health and Dairy Services
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Bureau of Animal HealthRabiesHow Rabies Could Affect You!
What animals get rabies?Any mammal, including humans, can contract rabies. There are currently 11 different strains of the rabies affecting the United States. A "strain" of rabies is a form of the virus which is primarily carried by a specific animal, known as the dominant reservoir species. Of the 11 strains of rabies in the U. S., 6 are carried by bats, which are found in all parts of the U. S. The remaining 5 strains are carried by land animals. These strains include 2 fox strains, 2 skunk strains, and the raccoon strain. The raccoon strain has been affecting the New England area since September of 1992. Although a strain is specific to a particular animal, other mammals are susceptible to that form of the virus. If an animal other than the dominant reservoir species contracts the virus, it is called spillover. In the case of the raccoon strain, the most common spillover animals include skunks, cats, woodchucks, and foxes. The fact that spillover exists is cause for some concern. Vaccination of pets and livestock against rabies can prevent any spillover into the domestic animal population.The vaccination of dogs and cats is required by law, and though this will not necessarily affect the spread of the virus through the wildlife population, it can insure that your pets will not act between rabies in the wild and yourself. Rabies is a fatal disease. If a rabies transmission goes untreated, paralysis and death are inevitable. The rabies virus is not easily transmitted. Normally, the virus is contracted through a bite or a scratch from a rabid animal, hence, it is easy to avoid an exposure. How can I protect myself?There are several precautions everyone can take to avoid any possible exposures to rabies. 1. Vaccinate your pets. The cases which usually represent the highest numbers of human exposures involve rabid domestic animals. The most common domestic animal to contract rabies is the cat. None of the cats which tested positive for rabies in Massachusetts had a current vaccination. Ask your veterinarian to be sure that your animal has a current rabies vaccination. 2. Do not let your pets roam free. Humans are frequently exposed to rabies through handling a pet which has fought with a rabid animal. It is natural to want to console your animal after it has been in a fight. However, if any saliva from the rabid animal is left on your pet's fur, there is a definite risk of exposure. 3. Avoid any contact with wild animals, alive or dead. The behavior of rabid animals is unpredictable. Approaching a sick animal, no matter what condition it appears to be in, is dangerous. The rabies virus can be active after the host animal dies, but it can only be transmitted if there is direct contact. If you must handle wildlife, wear gloves. What should I do if I see a sick animal?Call the local police; they will either come themselves or notify the correct official. Do not attempt to contain the animal yourself. It is not uncommon for a rabid animal to attack anything: people, animals, inanimate objects, etc. Remember, avoid all contact. How do I know if my pet is currently vaccinated?In order to have a valid 3-year shot, the dog or cat must have a primary series of vaccinations; 2 shots, 9-12 months apart from each other. The first shot in an animal's life will normally be given at about 3 months of age. This shot is said to be effective for one year. The animal must then go back for its second shot no sooner than 9, and no later than 12 months from the date the first shot was given. If the second shot is given in that 3-month window, it will be considered effective for 3 years. Any shot given after that will also be considered effective for 3 years. Regardless of age, unless the animal has the primary series done correctly, rabies vaccinations are only considered to be effective for 1 year. |
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