Rabies: Rabies Is A Zoonotic Disease (A Disease That Is Transmitted To Humans From Animals) That Is Caused by A Virus

RABIES
RHABDOVIRUS
Rabies is a zoonotic disease (a disease that is
transmitted to humans from animals) that is caused
by a virus.
objectives
At the end of this session farmers should
be able to:
Understand what causes rabies
Identify the symptoms of rabies on their
animals
Learn about control measures & treatment
for rabies
content
facts
Itis caused by the RABIES VIRUS, a
rhabdovirus of the genus lyssa virus.
Rabies attacks the nervous system in animals
and man
Causes paralysis
Causes a sort of madness which eventually leads
to death.
RHABDO: from Greek rhabdos, "rod"

LYSSA: Greek – frenzy, rage, fury,
canine madness
The Rabies Virus
RV – a neurotropic filterable virus present in the

saliva of rabid animals. It has a preference for nerve
tissues.
This is a photograph of the

Parts of the rabies virus virus under electron
microscope
A rhabdovirus of the genus lyssavirus.
RHABDOVIRUS: any group of rod-shaped RNA
viruses with 1 important member, rabies virus,
pathogenic to man. The virus has a
predilection for tissue of mucus-secreting
glands and the Central Nervous System. All
warm-blooded animals are susceptible to
infection with these viruses.
Animals and rabies
Any mammal can get rabies:

• Dogs, cats, cattle and ferrets
• Raccoons, skunks, foxes and bats
• Humans also
• Animals that are not mammals -- such as
birds, snakes, and fish -- do not get rabies.
What causes it
Rabies is caused by a virus. An animal gets
rabies from saliva, usually from a bite of an
animal (bat) that has the disease.
This is a very small germ – so small that it can

pass through the porcelain material
How is the disease spread
When an infected bat bite healthy animals

(cows) or man
Through inhalation of the air in caves
In Trinidad, the vampire bat is the main
carrier
Othercarriers: foxes, mongoose, skunks
& dogs
How you get rabies
You get rabies from the saliva of a rabid animal,
usually from a bite.
The rabies virus is spread through saliva.
You cannot get rabies by petting an animal.
(Remember that the rabies virus is found in the
saliva of an animal).
Rabies in Trinidad
Most of the recent cases
of bovine rabies cases
have been caused by
rabies virus from bats.
Awareness of the facts
about bats and rabies can
help people protect
themselves, their
families, and their pets.
STAGES OF RABIES INFECTION
Rabies virus Entry into the body INCUBATI0N PERIOD

(20 – 90 days)
INVASION
(0 – 10 days)
EXCITEMENT
(2 – 7 days)
PARALYTIC COMA DEATH

(5 – 14 days)
DIFFERENT STAGES OF RABIES
INFECTION
bats
VIRUS IN SALIVA INHALED AEROSOLS
INVASION PHASE
PARALY PARALY
SIS SIS
DEATH
Symptoms in animals
Change in behaviour
Animals become docile/vicious
Frothing or drooling of saliva
Weakness of back legs
Hydrophobia
Very little urine/faeces
Paralysis
Death in 15 - 30 days
symptoms in man
Nervousness
Headache
Slight fever
Bodily discomfort
Pain
Irritation on area of bite
Paralysis
Death
treatment
Cannot be cured/treated but prevented
Animals are usually examined & quarantined
in area of outbreak
Treat bite area by washing several times with
lots of soap and clean water
Apply iodine/alcohol
Should be done immediately after exposure
Report immediately to nearest county office
What to do if you are exposed
Inform Animal Health Office in your
county
Visit the Health Centre immediately
Ensure you are vaccinated
Persons exposed/bitten by infected animal

are given a course of five (5) vaccinations.
• Given three (3) weeks apart
Control measures
Ring Vaccination – this is done from the
first outbreak in a 3-8 mile circle radius
3
miles
5
miles
8
miles
Control measures
Do not handle animals that are acting
strangely
Report to any Animal Health Office
immediately
Veterinarians/Health workers should be
vaccinated routinely
Farmers should avoid placing their hands
in mouths of infected animals
How can I prevent rabies?
• Vaccinate your cattle against rabies.

• Observe area in which animals graze.
• Look out for bats flying around area.
• Do not handle wild animals. If the animal is
acting strangely, call an animal control officer.
• If you do get bitten by an animal, wash the
wound with soap and water for at least 5
minutes.
Persons at risk
People who live close to (bats) roosts
Veterinarians
Animal health workers
Farmers
Those who handle infected animals
The end
Thank you

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RABIES

RHABDO: from Greek rhabdos, "rod"

RV – a neurotropic filterable virus present in the

This is a photograph of the

Any mammal can get rabies:

This is a very small germ – so small that it can

When an infected bat bite healthy animals

Rabies virus Entry into the body INCUBATI0N PERIOD

PARALYTIC COMA DEATH

Persons exposed/bitten by infected animal

• Vaccinate your cattle against rabies.

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