Rabies is a fatal disease that occurs in nearly all warm blooded animals although rarely among rodents.The main source of infection for humans is a bite from an infected dog or cat.However,skunks,bats,foxes,raccoons,cattle,horses and other wild and domestic animals can serve as a reservoir for the disease thereby accounting for sporadic cases.Any wild animal that allows you to approach it without running away from you is acting abnormally.Rabies should be suspected.Do not pet,handle or give first add to such an animal.
The virus,which is present in infected saliva,usually enters at the site of a bite.Saliva on an open wound or mucous membrane also constitutes exposure to rabies.
The signs of Rabies are due to inflammation of the brain.The first signs are quite subtle and consist of personalit changes.Affectionate and sociable cats often become increasingly irritable or aggressive.Shy and less outgoing cats may become overly affectionate.Soon the animal becomes withdrawn and stare off into space.He avoid light which hurts his eyes. Finally he resists handling.Fever,vomiting and diarrhea are common.Cats are inclined to hide when they are ill and thus may die and never be discovered.
Protect yourself and your petsAvoid contact with all wild animals.Never attempt to feed or handle any wild animal.Also,never adopt wild animals as pets.Stay away from strays and other people's pets.you never know if they've been properly vaccinated for rabies.Report strays to your local health department or animal control officer.Keep wild animals out of your home.Secure doors and windows.cap chimneys with screens,and close off any openings in porches,basements and attics.Secure trash and any pet food stord outdoors in animal proof containers to avoid access by wild or stray animals.Have your animals vaccinated including dogs,cats and selected livestock.See your veterinarian for information about rabies immunizations and required booster shots.Find out if there are free or low-cost rabies clinics in your area.Never feed pets outdoors.Also,keep the area around your home free of table scraps and other debris.Food left outdoors will attract stray or wild animals.Confine your animals to your property.Pets that are allowed to roam are at higher risk for rabies exposure and infection.Act on any attack or bite suffer by your pet.Contact your veterinarian and your local health and or animal control authority.A rabies booster can help protect your pet.Know the signs of Rabies.Two common forms are;
The animal may become shyi or hide-or be unusually approachable.This may be followed by sluggishness,confusion and depression.
The animal may become excitable,irritable and aggressive.At times it may seem confused and calm,then suddenly attack when approached.It may lose all caution for natural enemies.
Other signs of Rabies include:
Daytime activity in animals normally active at night
Staggering,weakness and paralysis
A change in the sound of the animal's voice
Inability to eat or drink
Drooling
Convulsions and frothing at the mouth
Wash the wound thoroughly with warm soapy water.If the animal is wild confine it if possible.Call the local animal control authorities at once.Kill the animal only as a last resort,but do not damage its head.The animal's brain tissue may need to be tested.If the animal is a pet get the owner's name and address and ask for proof of rabies vaccination.Report the bite to the local heath or animal control authorities.All pets suspected of rabies must be confined for 10 day of observation.Call your physician at once.He or she can determine if you need rabies shots.The modern process involves far fewer shots and little if any discomfort.
