source of info: OIE – World Organisation for Animal Health
Rabies is a highly fatal viral disease of humans and all other warm blooded animals. The virus is present in the saliva of infected animals and is generally transmitted by the bite of diseased animals – most commonly dogs and other carnivores.
The OIE provides science-based standards, guidelines and recommendations for the control of the disease in animals and to prevent the spread of the disease through trade as well as standards for the diagnosis of the disease and the preparation of vaccines for use in animals. Through its network of Reference Laboratories and Collaborating Centers the OIE provides policy advice, strategy design and technical assistance for the diagnosis, control and eradication of rabies.
This website provides information to national veterinary services and veterinary professionals, farmers, media and the general public.
Rabies is present on all continents except Antarctica. Some countries have implemented vigilant control measures and succeeded in eradicating the disease. However, in some countries, the disease remains endemic with rabies present mainly in wild animal hosts.
In countries where the disease is endemic, measures are implemented to address and reduce the risk of infection in susceptible populations (wildlife, stray and domestic animals) and create a buffer between the animal source of the disease and humans.
- Surveillance and reporting of suspected cases of rabies in animals
- Vaccination programs for domestic animals
- Research into disease dynamics, vaccines and effective delivery mechanisms for target populations
- Wildlife rabies control programs including vaccination (trap/vaccinate/release or delivery of oral vaccines)
- Population control and vaccination programs for stray animal populations
What are the clinical signs of the disease?
Clinical signs of rabies in animals will vary depending on the effect of the virus on the brain. Typical signs include sudden behavioural changes and progressive paralysis leading to death. In some cases, however, an animal may die rapidly without demonstrating significant clinical signs.
Furious rabies
Animals may be anxious, highly excitable and/or aggressive with intermittent periods of depression. With the loss of natural caution and fear of other animals and humans, animals with this form of rabies may demonstrate sudden behaviour changes, and attack without provocation. As the disease progresses, muscular weakness, incoordination and seizures are common. Death results from progressive paralysis.
Dumb Rabies
Animals with this form of rabies may be depressed or unusually docile. The animal will often have paralysis, generally of the face, throat and neck, causing abnormal facial expressions, drooling and inability to swallow. Paralysis may affect the body, first affecting the hind legs. The paralysis progresses rapidly to the whole body with subsequent coma and death.
In humans, early signs can include fever or headache. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include confusion, depression, sleepiness, agitation or paralysis of the face, throat and neck. Death generally results from progressive paralysis.
How is the disease diagnosed?
The disease may be suspected based on clinical signs, however, laboratory tests are required to confirm the diagnosis. Samples taken from dead animals must be sent to competent laboratories for diagnosis. OIE recommendations can be found in Prescribed and Alternative Diagnostic Tests for OIE Listed Diseases, Terrestrial Animal Health Code, 2007 (Appendix 3.1.1,) and Manual of Diagnostic Tests & Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals, (Chapter 2.2.5).
What is being done to prevent or control this disease?
Prevention and control measures.
In countries where the disease is endemic, measures are implemented to address and reduce the risk of infection in susceptible populations (wildlife, stray and domestic animals) and create a buffer between the animal source of the disease and humans.
• Surveillance and reporting of suspected cases of rabies in animals
• Vaccination programs for domestic animals
• Research into disease dynamics, vaccines and effective delivery mechanisms for target populations
• Wildlife rabies control programs including vaccination (trap/vaccinate/release or delivery of oral vaccines)
• Population control and vaccination programs for stray animal populations
Need more information?
Reference Experts:
Dr A. Wandeler Centre of Expertise for Rabies, Animal Diseases Research Institute 3851 Fallowfield Road, P.O. Box 11300, Station H, Nepean, Ontario K2H 8P9 CANADA Tel: (1.613) 228.66.98 Fax: (1.613) 228.66.69 wandelera@inspection.gc.ca
Dr J. Barrat AFSSA-LERPAS, Laboratoire d’études sur la rage et la pathologie des animaux sauvages Domaine de Pixérécourt, BP 9, 54220 Malzéville FRANCE Tel: (33 (0)3) 83.29.89.50 Fax: (33 (0)3) 83.29.89.56 j.barrat@afssa.fr
Mme F. Cliquet AFSSA-LERPAS, Laboratoire d’études sur la rage et la pathologie des animaux sauvages Domaine de Pixérécourt, BP 9, 54220 Malzéville FRANCE Tel: (33 (0)3) 83.29.89.50 Fax: (33 (0)3) 83.29.89.56 f.cliquet@afssa.fr
Dr T. Müller Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health Seest. 55, 16868 Wustherhausen/Dosse GERMANY Tel: (49.33) 97.98.01.86 Fax: (49.33) 97.98.02.00 thomas.mueller@wus.bfav.de
Dr Claude Taurai Sabeta Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Rabies Unit Private Bag X05, Onderstepoort 0110 SOUTH AFRICA Tel: (27.12) 529.94.39 Fax: (27.12) 529.93.90 sabetac@arc.agric.za
Dr Anthony Fooks Rabies and Wildlife Zoonoses Group, Virology Department, VLA Weybridge New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB UNITED KINGDOM Tel: (44.1932) 35.78.40 Fax: (44.1932) 35.72.39 t.fooks@vla.defra.gsi.gov.uk
Key Facts:
• European countries implementing effective wildlife rabies control programs that include oral vaccination campaigns have successfully eliminated the disease in wildlife (Switzerland 1999; France 2000; Belgium and Luxembourg 2001; Czech Republic 2004).
• Population control and/or oral vaccination programmes for domestic and stray animals are being implemented in several developing countries where rabies is endemic.
• Eradication is underway in North American countries.
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