Recognize the Signs of Rabies in Animals, A Complete Guide to Prevention and Management!

Kapanlagi.com - Rabies, a deadly disease that threatens both animals and humans, should be taken seriously. This virus attacks the central nervous system and can be fatal if not addressed promptly.

Therefore, recognizing the signs of rabies in animals is a crucial step in preventing its spread and implementing early management. In this article, we will delve deeply into the characteristics of rabies, its causes, symptoms, modes of transmission, as well as effective prevention and management steps.

Let us together raise our awareness and knowledge to protect ourselves and our pets from the threat of rabies, reported by Kapanlagi.com from various sources, Friday(10/1/2025).

1. Understanding and Causes of Rabies

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus from the Lyssavirus genus, which threatens warm-blooded animals and humans. Transmission occurs through bites or scratches from infected animals, primarily through saliva.

All warm-blooded animals, such as dogs, cats, and bats, can become infected. The virus attacks the nervous system, moving from the bite site to the brain, where it multiplies and spreads to the salivary glands.

The incubation period varies, but once symptoms appear, the disease almost always ends in death. Therefore, understanding the transmission of rabies is important for prevention and self-protection as well as for pets.

2. Signs of Rabies in Animals

Recognizing the signs of rabies in animals is crucial to prevent transmission. Symptoms of rabies appear in several stages.

In the early stage, animals may show behavioral changes, such as restlessness and loss of appetite.

In the furious stage, animals become aggressive, produce excessive saliva, and show hydrophobia. The final stage is marked by muscle paralysis and difficulty breathing.

However, not all rabid animals exhibit all symptoms, so any suspicious behavioral changes should be taken seriously.

3. Rabies-Carrying Animals

Rabies is a serious threat that can infect all mammals, with some animals being the primary carriers of the virus.

Dogs are the most common carriers of rabies, especially in developing countries, followed by wild cats. Bats, raccoons, foxes, skunks, and monkeys are also potential transmitters of this virus.

Although these animals are at higher risk, any mammal can become infected with rabies. Therefore, it is important to keep a distance and avoid contact with wild or strangely behaving animals to protect oneself from rabies.

4. How Rabies is Transmitted

Knowing how rabies is transmitted is important for prevention. The virus generally spreads through the bite of an infected animal, where saliva containing the virus enters the wound. Scratches from animals that have licked their paws can also transmit the virus, although this is less common.

The virus can infect through mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose, or mouth if exposed to saliva. Contact between saliva or nervous tissue of the animal and an open wound is also risky.

Transmission through organ transplantation from an asymptomatic donor is very rare, and airborne transmission is only possible under extreme conditions.

Rabies is not transmitted through blood, urine, or feces, and touching an infected animal is harmless without contact with saliva or nervous tissue. Understanding these transmission methods helps us be more vigilant and take preventive measures when interacting with animals.

5. Rabies Diagnosis in Animals

Diagnosing rabies in live animals is difficult because its symptoms are similar to other diseases. In dead animals, diagnosis can be made through several methods. Clinical observation by a veterinarian is the first step, but it is not enough to confirm rabies.

The standard post-mortem method is the Fluorescent Antibody Test (FA) to examine brain tissue. Virus isolation from tissue or saliva is also performed, although it takes time.

Advanced techniques such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) can quickly detect the genetic material of the virus, while serological tests are used to evaluate vaccination responses.

Skin biopsy in the neck area can also help detect viral antigens. Definitive diagnosis in live animals is rare, so suspected animals are usually quarantined.

Prevention through vaccination and avoiding contact with wild animals is a key step in combating rabies.

6. Rabies Prevention

Prevention is key in combating rabies. Key steps include routine vaccination of pets such as dogs and cats, avoiding contact with suspicious wild animals, and supervising pets when outdoors.

Educating the public about the dangers of rabies and the importance of vaccination is also crucial, as well as supporting wildlife population control programs. Report animal bite cases immediately and provide pre-exposure vaccination for those at high risk.

If bitten, wash the wound with soap and water. Quarantine and examine animals suspected of being infected with rabies.

With these preventive measures, we can reduce the risk of rabies transmission. Remember, prevention is better than cure!

7. Handling Rabies in Animals

Handling rabies in animals requires diligence and caution. Animals suspected of being infected should be isolated and observed for 10-14 days. Personnel must use personal protective equipment.

If the animal dies, brain tissue samples are taken for diagnosis. In severe cases, euthanasia may be considered.

After confirmation of rabies, contact tracing is conducted to protect other people and animals, as well as post-exposure vaccination for those who were exposed.

Disinfecting the area and reporting to health authorities is also important. Handling should be done by trained professionals; contact a veterinarian immediately if there is suspicion of rabies infection.

(kpl/rao)