How to Tell When an Animal Has Rabies

Rabies is a viral disease that affects most warm-blooded animals. It is a highly fatal virus that is usually spread by the bite of another infected animal. The virus attacks the central nervous system and then spreads to the other organs of the body, including the salivary glands. It can take 30 to 50 days for symptoms to occur. Death usually occurs within days of the appearance of symptoms. The symptom stages are separated into three parts: the prodromal phase, the furious phase and the paralytic phase.

Instructions

• 1

  Take into account your location when you encounter an animal you believe might have rabies. Rabies is found in all countries except for Australia, New Zealand and Antarctica. It is also very rare in the United Kingdom. These countries have strict controls on animals. Since they are island nations, it is easier for these countries to monitor the entry of the disease. If you are in any of these countries, the chance of the animal having rabies is little to none.

• 2

  Identify the type of animal, and assess its rabies risk. Ninety percent of rabies cases in domesticated animals are in cats, dogs and cattle. Skunks, raccoons and bats are the most commonly infected wild animals. Reptiles, amphibians, birds and fish cannot contract rabies.

• 3

  Have a veterinarian look for a wound site if you suspect an animal has rabies. The animal may chew at the bite mark, helping to determine where it is located. The early signs of a rabies infection are very difficult to notice. The animal may not change in health or temperament. However, once the prodromal phase begins, fever, loss of appetite and subtle changes in behavior are often common. The prodromal phase lasts between two and three days.

• 4

  Look for signs of fury in the animal. Identifying rabies in its furious phase is relatively easy. The animal may become extremely aggressive, lack fear, constantly growl, become disorientated and want to eat. Physical symptoms include seizures, dilated pupils and trembling. The furious phase lasts between two and four days.

• 5

  Look for signs of paralysis in the animal. Identifying rabies in its paralytic phase is also relatively easy. The animal loses the ability to swallow and thus, will foam at the mouth. The jaw may drop, and the animal may look like it is choking. This phase lasts two to four days until the animal rapidly enters a coma and dies.