Unit 1 - Rabies Flashcards
What is rabies
A viral disease that affects the central nervous system of all mammals including humans. Almost always fatal
What is the structure of rabies virus
Enveloped RNA virus
Who is at risk for rabies
Mammals of all ages. Endemic in wild animals with periodic outbreaks.
In Canada and usa who are the most common transmitters of the disease
Bats, foxes, skunks and raccoons.
In Asia and Africa what are the most common transmitters of rabies
Dogs are the main carriers
Describe the pathogenesis of rabies
Virus enters through wound or mucus membrane, virus replicates in local tissues, virus is protected once it enters the CNS or peripheral nervous system. Replicates in CNS, moves to salivary glands.
What is the incubation period for rabies
2 weeks to 6 months dependant on innervation at bite site, distance of bite from cns, virus variant, amount of virus at exposure
Once clinical signs are present with rabies, how long until death
7-10 days
Describe what 10% of dogs get when they get rabies
Vicious form of rabies with foaming mouth.
What are the majority of dogs with rabies like
Lethargic and poorly responsive
Describe the prodormal form of rabies
Change in behaviour, fever, pruritis…. Lasts 2-3 days. Followed by paralytic or furious form
Describe the paralytic form
Majority of canine cases, lethargy, difficulty swallowing, drooling, voice change, paralysis in wounded limb.
How long does the paralytic form of rabies last from onset of overt signs
1-7 days
Describe the furious form of rabies
Majority of feline cases, aggression, biting, hydrophobia, possible hyperesthesia, hyperreponsiveness, ataxia, paralysis
How long does the furious form of rabies last from overt signs of the disease until death
2-4 days
Describe the transmission of rabies
Through saliva. Also aerosolized virus from exposure to bats, ingestion of infected tissues is also possible. Organ transplant too.
What happens when rabies in saliva is dried
When exposed to open air
What is the risk of human infection following a rabid animal bite
5-80%
What is the risk of human infection following a scratch
0.1-1%
How do you diagnose rabies
Ifa of brain or nervous tissue. Submit the brain to a state approved laboratory.
How do you treat rabies
Fatal, dies within 7-10 days of clinical signs.
What do you do if you suspect rabies
Report disease under health of animals act
How do you recommend monitoring
10 days confined period after human exposure from a suspected dog or cat. Monitor for behavioural/neurological signs
What happens if a healthy dog or cat bites a human
Quarantined for 10 days
What happens if an unvaccinated cat/dog bites a human
Quarantined for 6 months. Monitored for onset of clinical signs. Vaccinate 1 month prior to release
What happens if a vaccinate dog or cat bites a human
Immediate revaccination for rabies. Owner monitors for 45 days
What happens if exposure is suspected
Immediately wash wound for 15mins. Remove contaminated clothing. Seek medical advice
What is the publics responsibility with rabies
Vaccination, keep pets on leash, stay away from wild animals
Describe the vaccination schedule for rabies
Vaccinated after 12 weeks, again 1 year later and then every year or 3 years depending on regulation. Ferrets are vaccinated yearly against rabies.
What’s special about rabies vaccination and traveling
Dependant on where you are going
What do wildlife departments do to help control rabies
Oral vaccines in bait.
