September 2000, Our Visit to the Austin Zoo
Rabies Information
September 2000, Our Visit to the Austin Zoo
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Important Facts About Rabid Animals How Your Community Can Control Rabies
Each year many cases of rabies develop among Texas wildlife and domestic animals. Rabies is a disease of overpopulation. It thrives where there is an abundance of wildlife, as there is in most counties in Texas. Rabies -- sometimes called "hydrophobia" -- has its roots in antiquity. Centuries before the birth of Christ, it was recognized in both animals and man. Cases were described with amazing clinical accuracy during the lifetime of Aristotle. The name hydrophobia, meaning "fear of water," was given to it at that time because the ancient Greeks observed rabid animals' aversion to water. Actually, the truth is that they cannot drink because of throat paralysis. It is this fact which produces the classic picture of a beast with foam-flecks jaws. Saliva accumulates in the paralyzed throat and drools from the corners of the mouth, giving the impression of mad-dog foam. Certainly it isn't hard to understand why those ancient people where terror stricken by such a sight, and even thought the animal was demon-possessed. Writers of the day attributed rabies to an invasion of the body by an evil spirit. Through the years, a wall of superstition was built. The wall has never been completely torn down. Even today, many people believe that the bite of a civet cat, a small spotted skunk, invariably leads to rabies. Actually, while all skunks are susceptible to rabies, laboratory studies have proved it is wrong to assume all civet cats are rabid. Rabies is an animal disease. People may catch rabies if they are bitten or licked by an animal which has the disease. When people have been exposed in this way, only a series of shots can keep them from getting rabies. At one time or another, rabies has occurred in almost every part of the world. An exception is Australia, where a case has never been diagnosed. Currently, rabies is probably most prevalent in Russia, Belgium, France, the United States, Africa, Mexico and the lower Americas. Contrary to popular belief, rabies is not confined to the so-called "dog-days" of July and August. Most cases in Texas occur in the spring. Rabies does occur though the entire year in Texas in both wild and domestic animals. Rabies in bats occurs mostly in the warmer months. All warm-blooded animals, including humans, are susceptible to rabies. In Texas, skunks, bats, coyotes, and foxes are the most commonly infected animals. This does not mean that wildlife eradication campaigns should be started. Wild species are highly beneficial in keeping pests under control, but is it wise to realize that they can carry rabies, and that contact with them should be avoided at all times--especially with those which are obviously sic. Domestic dogs, cats, and livestock usually acquire rabies infections from wild animals; while the numbers of rabid domestic animals are fewer, their danger is greater because of their close association with humans.
Important Facts About Rabid Animals If a pet catches rabies, the way it acts may change. A friendly dog might want to be alone. A shy dog might want attention. Rabid dogs often become mean, roam, make strange noises and attack people and other animals. Rabid animals drool and sometimes swallow stones or sticks and other things. Later, when the rabid animal gets even sicker, it will have trouble chewing, swallowing, drinking or walking. It may not be able to close its mouth, and may appear to be choking. Never try to clear the throat of an animal with these symptoms. If you see an animal with any of these signs, call the police right away. If an animal bites you, follow these steps. They may save your life.
How Your Community Can Control Rabies
Courtesy of the Texas Department of Health More information about rabies from TDH.
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