Rabies

Question 1

What are the two main clinical signs of rabies that are seen?

Answer 1

• Behaviour change
• Vocalisation

Question 2

What are the two main forms of rabies that are seen in TERMINAL stages?

Answer 2

1. Furious form - Animals become anxious and aggressive. Progresses to seizures or paralysis
2. Dumb form - Hypersalivation and difficulty swallowing.

**** Important to note these are terminal presentations and earlier presentation of disease can be much more subtle

Question 3

What is the diagnostic test of choice for rabies?

Answer 3

Direct fluorescent antibody test - tested on two locations from the brain (the brainstem and the cerebellum)

Question 4

What are the two options for pets known to be exposed/high suspect that have not received vaccinations for rabies?

Answer 4

• Euthanise and test
• Quarantine for 4 months (dog and cat) or 6 months ferret - vaccinate at the time of exposure

Question 5

What is the protocol for a rabies exposed/high suspect pet that has previously been vaccinated and is overdue or is currently vaccinated?

Answer 5

• Booster them and keep under owner observation for 45 days

Question 6

What is the protocol for an exposed/high suspect rabies human exposure in an unvaccinated individual?

Answer 6

• PEP w/ rabies immunoglobulin → vaccinate @ Day 0,3, and 7

Question 7

What is the protocol for an exposed vaccinated human with adequate antibody titres?

Answer 7

• Vaccinate at Days 0 and 3

Question 8

What is the protocol for a animal that bites a human (irrespective of rabies vaccination status)?

Answer 8

• DON’T vaccinate the animal - quarantine it for 10 days and if develops symptoms euthanise it

Question 9

What should be done if a stray animal bites a human?

Answer 9

• Euthanise and submit for testing immediately