{"id":1407,"date":"2019-09-25T08:30:17","date_gmt":"2019-09-25T15:30:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rocklinranchvet.com\/blog\/?p=1407"},"modified":"2019-09-25T08:30:17","modified_gmt":"2019-09-25T15:30:17","slug":"all-about-rabies-mythbuster-edition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rocklinranchvet.com\/blog\/all-about-rabies-mythbuster-edition\/","title":{"rendered":"All About Rabies: Mythbuster Edition"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The rabies virus affects the central nervous system that specifically affects mammals. Although rabies is a preventable disease, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates it kills 59,000 people each year worldwide. The most common cause of transmission? Dogs.
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In honor of World Rabies Day, September 28, the team at Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital<\/a> wants to make sure our readers understand the risk of rabies and how simple it can be to prevent this deadly disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Top 5 Rabies Myths<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
  1. We don\u2019t have to worry about rabies in the United States <\/strong>\u2013 The incidents of rabies in the U.S. is fairly low thanks to our vaccination laws, but the disease can still be transmitted to humans via wildlife<\/a> (raccoons, foxes, bats, and skunks to name a few). Never approach a live or dead wild animal, and alert authorities if you see a wild animal acting sick (paralyzed, stumbling, biting at things, etc.).<\/li>
  2. My indoor-only pet does not need to be vaccinated against rabies<\/strong> \u2013 Besides the fact that vaccinating your pet<\/a> against rabies is the law<\/em> in all 50 states, protection is critical even if a pet is never outside. Not only can indoor pets accidentally escape, it isn\u2019t unheard of for bats and other wildlife to enter a home.<\/li>
  3. Rabies can only be transmitted via the bite of an infected animal<\/strong> \u2013 Because rabies is transmitted through saliva, a bite is the most common pathway to infection. However, it\u2019s possible for scratches, abrasions, or other wounds can come into contact with an infected animal\u2019s saliva. For this reason, it\u2019s important to seek immediate medical attention if you wake up to find that a bat has entered your home, or find a bat near a child or person with a disability.<\/li>
  4. Dogs and cats are the only pets that need the rabies vaccination<\/strong> \u2013 Pet ferrets should also receive the rabies vaccine. Baby ferrets should receive their first dose at 4 months old and a booster each year afterward, even if they never go outdoors.<\/li>
  5. Once you\u2019ve been exposed, there\u2019s nothing you can do about it <\/strong>\u2013 If you or someone you know has been bitten or scratched by a wild animal, time is of the essence. Immediately wash the wound with soap and water for 15 minutes, then proceed to the nearest emergency room. You will likely need a series of vaccines, called Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) designed to reduce the risk of contracting the virus and lessen symptoms.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Staying Safe<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Besides making sure your pets\u2019 rabies vaccination is kept up-to-date, there are further steps you can take to reduce exposure to the virus:
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