Rabies, also called hydrophobia, is an acute encephalomyelitis caused
by a virus. All warm- blooded animals are susceptible. The disease is world-wide
apart from Australia, and a few island and peninsular countries.
The virus can be found in the saliva glands, as well as most tissues
of infected animals. In nature, it is transmitted from animal to animal
by means of a bite introducing the virus-bearing saliva. In rare
cases, the virus can be transmitted by viral contaminated fresh,
already existing wound. The virus may be transmitted several days before
the appearance of clinical signs. Rabies control program works best
on a country-wide basis. Mass vaccination of dogs and cats is the
most effective control measure. Suspected cases should be reported to the
veterinary authorities immediately. Untrained people should not attempt
to remove brain because of the risk of cutting a finger in the process
and catching the virus. If there is no veterinary help available,
suspected cases should be shot and, wearing gloves, the head cut off, tied
in a plastic bag and sent on ice to the veterinary laboratory.
Clinical signs:
The course of the disease lasts from two days to a week. The first clinical
sign is a change of behaviour which may not be noticeable. This stage
only lasts a few hours for cattle. The second stage, often called
'furious rabies', is when animals reach a phase of excitement and
they become restless, aggressive and the voice changes. Cattle continually
roar. After this stage, animals become progressively paralysed, and
are unable to eat or drink and salivate profusely. Death quickly
follows.
Treatment:
There is no treatment for rabies. Suspected cases should be promptly
caught and isolated in secure 'rabies' kennels until they die.
Control measures:
Rabies control program works best on a country-wide basis. Mass vaccination
of dogs and cats is the most effective control measure. Suspected
cases should be reported to the veterinary authorities immediately.
Untrained people should not attempt to remove brain because of the
risk of cutting a finger in the process and catching the virus. If there
is no veterinary help available, suspected cases should be shot and,
wearing gloves, the head cut off, tied in a plastic bag and sent
on ice to the veterinary laboratory.
WWW Sites of Relevance
World Organisation for Animal Health
American Veterinary Medical Association