Rabies is a deadly viral disease of the brain spread through saliva when bit by infected animals. Across North America there are numerous different types of rabies which are spread by very specific kinds of animals. In Texas, skunks, foxes and coyotes are a major wildlife reservoir for rabies. It is possible for the family dog or cat, especially this time of year as wildlife is breeding and having their babies, to come into contact with a rabid skunk or fox.

The rabies virus can be transmitted from animal to animal and from animal to human, and it is nearly always fatal. The effect on the brain and nervous system causes aggressive behavior which can make the animal attack and bite without provocation. This is how the virus spreads from the animal’s saliva to the tissue of the bitten animal or person. Again, very few people have been known to survive a rabies infection. Studies indicate that there are more than 55,000 deaths from rabies worldwide each year, and most deaths occur in children.

But there are steps that you can take to avoid this catastrophe. First and foremost, make sure your pet is up-to-date on their rabies vaccination. Call your vet and have them check your records. It is recommended that your dog or cat is vaccinated a minimum of every three years to prevent contracting and spreading this deadly disease if exposed.

When traveling in developing countries, avoid stray dogs. In general, don’t pick up a sick animal that you do not know. It can be tempting for a child to pick up a poor little bat or even a puppy that looks sick or injured.

If an animal bites you, don’t despair. Administer normal first aid and wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. See a doctor immediately. There is a vaccine that can be injected (thankfully no longer in the stomach) which works to prevent the virus from penetrating into the cells so that the immune system has time to react and destroy them. If immunization is given within two days of the bite, rabies can usually be prevented. All animal care workers are required to have this immunization and regular booster shots.

It’s also extremely important to try to gather as much information as possible after an animal bite. Call your local animal control authorities to safely capture the animal.

Animals with rabies will probably act differently from healthy animals. Wild animals may move more slowly or may even act as if they are tame. A pet that is usually friendly may snap at you or try to bite. In general, watch for changes in an animal’s behavior, general sickness, problems swallowing, increased drooling and aggression.

As the old saying goes, “It is better to be safe than sorry.” Educate your children about the seriousness of rabies and let them know it is unsafe to approach wildlife or even dog’s they don’t know or are acting strangely. Make sure your pets are vaccinated yearly and if you work in close proximity with animals, you may want to consider the preventative vaccination for yourself. If you see any animals that look suspicious, call your local animal control center to handle the problem before it’s too late.