Rabies is one of those diseases that you may have heard of at some point when you are a pet owner. It is a preventable disease, but remains endemic in large parts of the world. There are more than 59,000 human cases of rabies worldwide each year, almost all of which occur in developing countries. In the United Kingdom, it is extremely rare to encounter domestically acquired cases of human rabies. The last case was reported in 1902. Most cases of human rabies in the UK are acquired abroad. The same goes for non-reservoir animal cases of wild animal rabies in the UK.
The United Kingdom currently enjoys largely rabies-free status. With the increase in pet travel, transportation and importation, it is important to have a good understanding of rabies and the precautions you can take to keep your pets and family safe.
What is rabies and why is it a concern?
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system, brain and spinal cord. It is found everywhere in the world except Antarctica, and more than 95% of all human deaths occur in Africa and Asia. It is a zoonotic disease, that is, a disease that can be transmitted to humans from animals. This gives it particular importance for human and animal health. Rabies is spread by direct contact with infected tissues or fluids such as saliva. Blood, urine and stool are not contagious. Usually, rabies is spread through a bite or scratch from an infected animal. However, it can also be spread if an infected animal licks your nose, mouth, eyes, or an open wound.
Rabies is of particular concern to human health because once clinical signs appear, it is almost 100% fatal. Dogs are the most common transmitter of rabies to humans. Up to 99% of human cases are linked to dogs. Symptoms of rabies in humans can be varied and general. Early in the infection, this may include fever, numbness, and pain. As the virus progresses to the brain and spinal cord, severe and fatal swelling appears. At this stage, symptoms include confusion, hallucinations, muscle paralysis and coma. Symptoms can be managed but not cured once they appear. Symptoms in dogs and cats are similar with nonspecific signs and behavioral changes initially. Next come agitation, excitability, aggressiveness and paralysis.
How can I protect my family and pets?
Rabies can be prevented through vaccination. Vaccination is generally given to at-risk humans as a protective measure. This is a course of 3 or 4 injections over a month. However, vaccines can also be administered after potential exposure. When combined with antibody treatment and wound cleaning started soon after exposure, they can be very effective.
The incubation period for rabies after exposure varies depending on several factors. Examples are the location of the bite or scratch and the amount of virus present in the infected fluids. This can range from a week to several months in humans. In dogs and cats, rabies infection follows a similar pattern. The incubation period can vary from 3 to 12 weeks. Rabies vaccination can be given to pets. It is a very effective method to protect the health of your pet and humans. Rabies vaccination in dogs has been shown to be approximately 95% effective in preventing rabies infection.
Pet Travel
If you plan to travel with your pet, talk to your veterinarian about vaccination needs and recommendations. If you or your family are traveling to a high-risk area, talk to your doctor about your own vaccination recommendations. The UK Government and Public Health England publish advice and recommendations for travelers on the risk of rabies. It is always advisable when traveling to avoid contact with unfamiliar animals. If you are traveling with children, make sure they are aware of the potential dangers. Children are often most at risk due to their likelihood of touching and playing with animals. See a local doctor immediately if you have been bitten, scratched or licked by an animal in a rabies risk area.
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