Rabies
 What is it?
Rabies is a fatal neurologic illness in mammals caused by the rabies virus. In Minnesota, rabies in maintained in the wildlife population by skunks and bats. However, rabies can also infect domestic mammals, other wildlife and people.
Transmission
Rabies is primarily transmitted through the bite from an infected animal, because the virus is present in the saliva. Although it’s less likely, rabies can also be transmitted if saliva from a rabid animal gets into an open wound or mucous membrane of the eyes, nose, or mouth. Livestock, pets and people develop the disease following a bite from a rabid animal. An animal or person cannot get rabies simply by being near an infected animal or touching its environment. Rabies cannot be transmitted to an animal or person from being sprayed by a skunk.
Signs and Symptoms
Most animals show behavioral changes or neurological signs. The clinical signs of rabies in pets and livestock may vary depending on the affected animal. Cats often are aggressive. Cattle may bellow frequently and have trouble walking and swallowing. Dogs show a variety of signs ranging from aggression to difficulty swallowing and paralysis. Some animals die rapidly without marked clinic signs. The incubation period ranges from weeks to months.
Diagnosis
Testing for rabies in animals can be obtained by submitting the appropriate sample to the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL). Rabies testing is also available at laboratories in North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Only a laboratory certified to perform rabies testing can confirm a rabies diagnosis. Samples are taken from both sides of the suspected animal’s brain at the VDL and then sent to the Minnesota Department of Health Public Health Laboratory for testing. Minnesota uses the direct fluorescent antibody test. There is no available rabies test for live animals.
Human Risk
People can get rabies too. A dog, cat, ferret or domestic livestock that bites a person must be confined and observed for 10 days or euthanized and tested for rabies. There is not an option for confining and observing wild animals that bite people. Keeping pets vaccinated against the virus and avoiding exposure to wild animals will help avoid potential exposure. If a person is bitten by an animal, they should clean the affected area with soap and water and seek medical attention from their physician or contact the Minnesota Department of Health at 651-201-5414.
Prevention
A strong surveillance program and the rabies vaccine can help stop the spread of this disease. Owners of dogs, cats, ferrets, and horses can have their veterinarian vaccinate their animals. Livestock should be vaccinated when appropriate and your veterinarian can help determine if it’s necessary. Do not let your pets wander unrestrained or unsupervised. Call animal control if you see stray animals in your neighborhood since these animals may be unvaccinated or carry disease. State agencies work together to investigate rabies exposures in animals and people and will contact animal owners or people exposed to animals infected with the rabies virus to assess exposures and the need for additional follow up.
For questions on rabies exposure to domestic animals, call 651-201-6808. If you have questions on rabies in people, please contact the Minnesota Department of Health at 651-201-5414. For more information regarding rabies in animals, please visit the Board of Animal Health website. For more information regarding animal bites and rabies risk in people, please visit the Minnesota Department of Health website.
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