Go to a clinic immediately if
- A person or pet was bitten or scratched by a suspect, unknown or wild animal
- Saliva from a suspect animal reached the eyes, mouth, nose or broken skin
Possible signs
- Unusual behaviour change, aggression or unexplained restlessness
- Difficulty swallowing, excessive salivation, weakness or paralysis
What it is
Rabies is a viral zoonotic disease of the nervous system. Once clinical signs begin it is almost invariably fatal, but prompt post-exposure prevention can stop disease from developing. Risk is not limited to an aggressive animal: an unusually tame, confused, weak or paralysed animal may also be infected. Appearance or a verbal claim about vaccination cannot rule exposure out.
What to expect at the veterinarian
Possible human exposure is assessed by a healthcare or public-health professional, who decides on wound care, tetanus protection and rabies post-exposure prophylaxis. For an exposed pet, a veterinarian and the relevant authority review vaccination records, the type of contact and required management. Do not try to capture, kill or transport the suspect animal yourself.
Sources
- Guideline or consensus statement. Rabies fact sheet
- Reference book. Free identification and rabies vaccination of owned dogs launched in the regions