Rabies

Question 1

What is the primary reservoir for rabies?

Answer 1

wildlife –> bats

Question 2

What are the 2 major clinical signs associated with rabies? What else may be seen?

Answer 2

1. behavior change - aggressiveness, excitability, irritability, hiding
2. vocalization

• lameness
• furious form - anxiety + aggressiveness progress to seizures and paralysis (terminal stages)
• dumb form - hypersalivation, difficulty swallowing (terminal stages)

Question 3

How is rabies diagnosed?

Answer 3

direct fluorescent antibody test detects viral antigens and is used on the brainstem and cerebellum

Question 4

What are 2 options for managing exposed unvaccinated pets in cases of rabies?

Answer 4

1. euthanasia and testing
2. quarantine for 4 months (dogs/cats) or 6 months (ferrets) and vaccinate for rabies at time of entry into quarantine

Question 5

How are vaccinated pets exposed to rabies managed?

Answer 5

booster rabies vaccination immediately and a 45 day observation period by owner

Question 6

How are unvaccinated humans exposed to rabies managed?

Answer 6

post-exposure prophylaxis with rabies immunoglobuin AND give rabies vaccine on days 3, 7, and 14

Question 7

How are vaccinated humans exposed to rabies managed?

Answer 7

vaccinate at 0 and 3 days

Question 8

How are healthy and animals with unknown history that bite humans managed in possible cases of rabies?

Answer 8

HEALTHY - quarantine for 10 days no matter vaccination status AND report to local health department at first sign of illness - euthanize and submit for testing if symptoms suggestive of rabies develop

UNKNOWN - euthanize and submit for rabies testing immediately