Rabies

What is it?

Rabies is a fatal viral disease of warm-blooded animals, including humans. It is usually spread by the bite of an infected animal such as a dog, cat, bat or fox.

Where is it found?

Rabies is present in many countries in the world, except Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Japan and a number of small islands. Many of these are island nations with strict controls on the entry of animals; both factors have helped prevent entry of the disease. There is currently and outbreak of rabies on the Indonesian island of Bali.

What are its effects?

The rabies virus attacks the central nervous system and then spreads to the salivary glands and other organs of the body. Infected animals do not always appear aggressive; in some cases they can become depressed, quieter than usual or seem unafraid of people.

Humans are most commonly exposed to rabies if the saliva from a rabid animal enters the body through a bite or an open wound. In some cases people may be unaware that they have become infected, for example where people contact very small bats and do not notice tiny bites.

Where people suspect they have contacted infected animals, guidelines suggest that they should immediately and thoroughly wash wounds with soap an water and seek medical attention.

In people, symptoms may include headaches, fever and lethargy, insomnia, anxiety, confusion, paralysis, hallucinations, agitation, excessive salivation, difficulty swallowing and hydrophobia (fear of water). Death usually occurs within days of the onset of symptoms.

Rabies signs and symptoms but can occur between 10 days to a year or longer after exposure depending on the severity and location of the bite, the amount of virus present and the strain of the virus.

Post exposure treatment for those bitten by a rabid animal include a course of rabies immunoglobulin and vaccination.

What’s the risk to Australia?

If rabies became established in Australia the disease could profoundly change our way of life. Rabies could be very difficult to eradicate if it became established in native wildlife. If dogs and cats became infected then it would be necessary for pet owners to regularly vaccinate their pets. Australia’s would need to be alert to risks from a stray cats and dogs. All imported animals are subject to strict quarantine requirements, including vaccination for dogs and cats from all affected countries