- Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system.
- Puppies receive their first rabies vaccination at 12 weeks.
- Kittens receive their first rabies vaccination at 12 weeks.
- Rabies can not be cured, it can however be prevented.
What Animals can get Rabies?
In recent years, cats have become the most common domestic animal infected with rabies because many cat owners do not vaccinate their cats, and cats can be exposed to rabid wildlife, either outdoors or indoors. Rabies also occurs in dogs and cattle in significant numbers and, while not as common, has been diagnosed in horses, goats, sheep, swine, and ferrets.
Signs and Symptoms:
- Fearfulness
- Aggression
- Excessive drooling,
- Difficulty swallowing
- Staggering
- Paralysis
- Seizures
Aggressive behavior is common, but rabid animals may also be uncharacteristically affectionate.
How it Spreads:
The virus is secreted in saliva and is usually transmitted to people and animals by a bite from an infected animal.