Rabies Control Program 4-H Veterinary Science Extension Veterinary Medicine  Texas AgriLife Extension Service College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science Texas A&M System http://aevm.tamu.edu

Objectives Understand that because rabies is a reportable disease, it has been controlled Understand that health regulations for rabies prevent its spread among animals and to humans

History Human deaths/year Cases reported 1980 – <2 Cases reported Prior to 1958 – most in domestic animals After 1958 – most in wild animals Only 15% of reported cases now occur in domestic animals

Rabies Definition Viral disease of warm-blooded animals Disease of overpopulation Affects the central nervous system Zoonotic Reportable

Causative Agent Caused by strains of rabies virus Wildlife strains Skunk Coyote Fox Raccoon Bat Wild animal reservoirs

Since 1980 in the U.S., more than 90%of the domestically acquired human rabies cases were from bats -CDC

Transmission Transmitted by all warm-blooded animals Saliva is the primary means of transmission

Average incubation period is 3-8 weeks Can enter the body by Bites Breaks/scratch in the skin Average incubation period is 3-8 weeks Saliva of skunks contains more rabies virus than any other species

High-Risk Species Low-Risk Species Skunks Coyotes Foxes Raccoons Bats Opossums Armadillos Rabbits Rats Mice Squirrels Beavers

Diagnosis Aka hydrophobia Veterinarian submits brain to lab Lab test Animal can’t drink due to throat paralysis Saliva accumulation “Mad dog” look Veterinarian submits brain to lab Lab test

Three phases of the disease Incubation period Clinical signs Paralysis

Clinical symptoms (behavior change) Anorexia Apprehension Nervousness Irritability Hyperexcitability Ataxia (loss of muscle coordination) Altered temperament

Post-exposure prophylaxis decision Species of biting animal Vaccination status of animal Provoked vs. not provoked Prevalence of rabies in the area

If human or animal is bitten Find the animal Do not shoot the suspected animal in the head Contact local health official

Treatment Wash wound immediately Consider post-exposure prophylaxis Not a foregone conclusion Rarely an emergency

Prevention Don’t adopt wild animals Vaccinate Avoid contact with wild animals Discourage potential rabies reservoirs from inhabiting premises around home Eliminate brushy, grassy areas for wildlife nesting Keep pet and livestock foods away from wildlife Eliminate wild persimmon trees and berry vines that attract wildlife

Regulation and Control Need an informed and cooperative public Immunization of all owned dogs and cats (>3 months) Registration and licensing Keep records for 3 years Impoundment of strays Quarantine of rabies suspects

Rabies Vaccination Certificate

Quarantine 10 days 45 days 90 days Wild animal Healthy animal bites someone 45 days Vaccinated 90 days Un-vaccinated Wild animal Euthanize immediately and test

Local Rabies Control Authority (LRCA) Health and Safety Code 826.017 - Commissioners Court of each county and local governing body of each municipality shall designate……local rabies control authority Can be health official, animal control officer, peace officer or any other entity

Vaccination Administered by or under supervision of a veterinarian Immunized dogs and cats serve as a barrier between humans and wildlife Vaccinate all dogs and cats at 3 months of age and revaccinate yearly Certificate of vaccination will be issued and retained No rabies vaccine is licensed for use in wild animals