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RABIES: FACTS & PREVENTION TIPS

In view of the recent outbreak of rabies at the northern states of Malaysia, we have compiled facts and prevention tips on rabies to help better safeguard us and our pets.

Rabies Facts

� Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system.

� Rabies can infect any warm-blooded animal.

� There is no cure for rabies, and it is almost always fatal. Once clinical signs occur, an infected animal usually dies within five days.

� The only way to test for rabies is by examination of the brain tissue of a dead animal. There is no way to test for rabies infection in a live animal.

� Rabies virus is spread by contact with the saliva of an infected animal. Transmission is usually through a bite wound, but the disease has been known to spread through a scratch or an existing open wound.

� An infected animal can only transmit rabies after the onset of clinical signs.

Rabies Symptoms

� The early signs of rabies typically include behavioral changes — the animal may appear anxious, aggressive or more friendly than normal.

� As the disease progresses, animals develop hypersensitivity to light and sound. They may also have seizures and/or become extremely vicious.

� The final stage of rabies is typified by paralysis of the nerves that control the head and throat — the animal will hypersalivate and lose the ability to swallow. As the paralysis progresses, the animal eventually goes into respiratory failure and dies.

Why a 10-Day Quarantine?

� The quarantine is usually set at 10 days because a rabies-infected animal can only transmit the disease after clinical signs have developed AND once these signs have developed, the animal will die within 10 days.

� If the animal lives beyond the 10th day, it can be said with certainty that it was not shedding the rabies virus at the time that the bite occurred.

� If the animal dies before the 10th day, it can be tested for rabies. If the test is positive, a human bite victim will still have enough time to receive post-exposure vaccinations and prevent the disease.

Tips for Protecting You and Your Pets

� Always keep your pet�s rabies vaccine up to date. Puppies and kittens should receive their first rabies vaccination at 12 weeks of age. Pets must be vaccinated again in one year, and then a three-year rabies vaccine is generally administered during the rest of your pet�s life.

� If your pet bites a person or another animal, consult your veterinarian immediately.

� If your pet is bitten by another known domestic animal, consult your veterinarian immediately and ask the owner to provide proof of rabies vaccination. If the other animal is not up to date on his rabies vaccine, it is advisable to report the incident to your local animal control authority to ensure that the animal is quarantined appropriately.

� If your pet receives a suspected bite wound from an unknown animal or if your pet comes in direct contact with any wild animal, even if no wounds are evident, consult your veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian may recommend a rabies booster.

� If you are scratched or bitten by any animal, either wild or domestic, consult your physician immediately. If the animal is a pet, ask the owner to provide proof of rabies vaccination.

If you have rescued strays, please do ensure that they are properly vaccinated and cared for too. Find out more or adopt a homeless animal at http://PetFinder.my

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