Rabies Awareness: Protecting Your Pets and Family

As World Rabies Day approaches Sept. 28, 2024, the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (VMCVM) is committed to raising awareness about this deadly but preventable disease. Rabies continues to be a significant public health concern, affecting mammals worldwide, including pets. 

The theme of World Rabies Day 2024, "Breaking Rabies Boundaries," emphasizes the need to overcome barriers to rabies elimination through education, vaccination, and collaboration. As pet owners, understanding the risks and taking preventive measures is essential in protecting our animals, families, and communities.

Q&A with Tanya LeRoith, hospital director at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital

LeRoith is also the director of Virginia Tech Animal Laboratory Services (ViTALS), the on-site interdisciplinary diagnostic laboratory at the VMCVM and a clinical professor of anatomic pathology.

What is rabies, and what are its symptoms?
"Rabies is a virus that infects all mammals and is almost always fatal once there are symptoms. The symptoms start with behavioral changes or non-specific signs such as a fever, headache, and nausea and then progress to neurological signs. Animals don't foam at the mouth but may have trouble swallowing, so excess salivation can be a sign."

• Context: Rabies affects the central nervous system, leading to brain inflammation. Early symptoms can be subtle, so it's crucial to be vigilant and seek medical attention if you suspect exposure.

How common is rabies in our area? Which animals are most likely to carry it?
"Rabies is endemic (regularly found in a certain area) in wildlife in our area, but cases are not common because most pets are vaccinated (and should be if they're not). Raccoon rabies is the most prevalent strain, but any species can transmit the virus if they're infected."

• Context: While bats and raccoons are the most common carriers in our area, it's important to be cautious around all wild mammals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes, and skunks.

How can people protect themselves and their pets from rabies?
"The best way people can protect themselves and their pets is to have their pets vaccinated for Rabies. The cases we have seen in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital have all been in unvaccinated animals. Pets are more likely than people to come into contact with wildlife, and stopping pet infection can prevent almost all human cases. People must also avoid wildlife, especially those overly friendly or showing neurologic signs."

Are there any specific precautions people should take when hiking, camping, or spending time outdoors in areas where Rabies is present?
"People should stay away from wildlife."

• Additional advice: Secure food and garbage when camping to avoid attracting wildlife. If you see a wild animal acting strangely, maintain a safe distance and report it to local wildlife authorities.

What are some common misconceptions about Rabies?
"That animals with rabies foam at the mouth, that pets don't need to be vaccinated, and that rabies can be treated."

• Explanation: While rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, immediate medical intervention after exposure (before symptoms develop) can prevent the disease from progressing.

Are there any new developments in rabies research or prevention efforts that people should know about?
"Wildlife edible vaccines are being distributed and have managed to stop raccoon rabies from spreading west."

• Insight: These oral vaccines, typically hidden in baits, have successfully controlled Rabies in wildlife populations, indirectly protecting pets and humans.

Are there any specific concerns or challenges related to rabies in our area that you'd like to highlight?
"Only that rabies is endemic in wildlife, so we have to ensure that our pets are vaccinated. This not only protects pets but protects humans as well." 

Does the VTH or ViTALS do any work related to Rabies we can highlight?
"Community practice in the VTH offers primary care services to people in the area and can administer rabies vaccines as part of the pet's wellness care. ViTALS does not test for rabies, but can facilitate rabies testing by the Virginia Department of Health as part of the necropsy service."

The above is an illustration of the rabies virus. Courtesy of Adobe Stock.

Tips and Advice for Pet Owners

1. Prioritize Vaccination: Ensure your pets (dogs, cats, ferrets, horses and select livestock) are up to date on their rabies vaccinations. Work with your veterinarian to maintain the recommended vaccination schedule.


2. Prevent Exposure:
   • Keep pets supervised, and don't let them roam freely outdoors.
   • Avoid contact between pets and wildlife, especially animals acting strangely.
   • Don't leave pet food or garbage outside; it can attract wild animals.
   • Never keep wild animals as pets, as they pose a rabies risk.


3. Know the Signs: Be alert for potential signs of rabies in animals, including:
   • Excessive drooling
   • Difficulty swallowing
   • Staggering or paralysis
   • Seizures
   • Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice these symptoms in your pet.


4. Respond Appropriately to Bites:
   • If your pet bites someone, urge the victim to seek medical attention, report the bite to local health authorities, and follow instructions for confining your pet for observation.
   • If another animal bites your pet, consult your veterinarian immediately and report the incident to animal control.


5. Educate Children: Teach children to never approach or handle unfamiliar animals, even if they appear friendly.
6. Support Rabies Elimination Efforts: Consider participating in local World Rabies Day events to raise awareness and support global efforts to eliminate Rabies.
7. Human Exposure Protocol: If you suspect you've been exposed to rabies:
   • Wash any bites or scratches immediately with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.
   • Seek medical attention right away. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can prevent rabies if administered promptly.
   • Report the incident to local health authorities.

Remember, rabies is 100 percent preventable with proper precautions and vaccination. By staying informed and taking preventive actions, you protect your pets, family, and community from this deadly disease.

For more information or to schedule a rabies vaccination for your pet, contact the Veterinary Teachign Hospital at the VMCVM.

For further reading on rabies prevention and global elimination efforts, visit the World Health Organization's rabies information page.