Which animals carry rabies? Learn more about the main animals that spread rabies

2024-09-18 19:06:50 35

Rabies is a fatal disease caused by the rabies virus that affects the central nervous system of mammals and ultimately causes death. The virus is most commonly transmitted to humans or other animals through the saliva of infected animals, usually through contact with infected animal saliva through bites, scratches or wounds. Many wild and domestic mammals can carry the rabies virus.

Below are some of the main animal species that carry rabies, with their distribution areas and transmission risks in table format.

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Table of rabies carriers

Animal name	Distribution area	Risk level of infection	Notes
Dog	Global (especially in Asia and Africa)	High	Most common source of rabies transmission, accounting for the majority of human cases
Cat	Global (especially in Asia and Africa)	Medium	Domestic and stray cats may carry the virus
Bats	Worldwide, especially in the Americas	High	Many bats carry rabies, especially vampire bats
Foxes	North America, Europe, Asia	High	Foxes are one of the main hosts of rabies
Raccoons	North America	High	Rabies infection is common in raccoon populations
Skunks	North America	High	Skunks are common carriers of rabies in wildlife
Wolves	Europe, Asia, North America	High	Wolves have a history of rabies, which may be transmitted through bites
Jackals	Asia and Africa	Medium	Although rare, they can also transmit rabies
Coyotes	Africa and Asia	Medium	Although rare, coyotes can carry rabies
Cattle	Global (especially in developing countries)	Low	Infection manifests as neurological symptoms and can occasionally be transmitted to humans
Horses	Global	Low	Like other mammals, horses can get rabies
Squirrels	North America, Europe, Asia	Low	Although rabies is rare, it is still possible
Rabbit	Global	Low	Rabbits are less likely to spread rabies, but they can sometimes get it
Black bears	North America, Asia	Low	Although rare, black bears can be infected with rabies

Major rabies carriers and risk analysis

Dogs
Dogs are the main source of rabies worldwide, especially in developing countries. About 99% of human rabies cases are caused by infected dogs. Although many countries have reduced the incidence of rabies through vaccination and control of stray dog populations, some areas in Asia, Africa and Latin America still have a higher risk.
Cats
Cats, especially stray cats, can be infected with rabies through contact with infected animals. Cats' aggressive behavior, such as scratching and biting, can result in the virus being transmitted to humans through saliva. Cats, while less prone to rabies than dogs, are still a potential risk to humans.
Bats
Bats are another important carrier of rabies, especially in the Americas. Vampire bats (such as the Latin American vampire bat) are the main carrier of rabies virus.Bats are one of the main carriers of rabies, especially those that attack domestic animals. Direct contact with bats or bites are the main ways that humans are infected with rabies.
Foxes, raccoons, and skunks
These wild animals, especially in North America and Europe, are the main carriers of rabies. Raccoons and skunks are particularly important in the spread of rabies in North America. They are wild animals that live close to humans and can easily infect pets or humans directly.
Wolves and jackals
Wolves and jackals are also potential carriers of rabies in the wild. Their aggressiveness and contact with other wild animals increase the possibility of rabies transmission, especially in parts of Asia and Africa.

How to prevent rabies?

The key to preventing rabies is to reduce contact with animals that carry the virus and vaccinate pets and humans. Here are some protective measures:

Pet vaccinations: Regularly vaccinate pets such as dogs and cats against rabies to prevent them from contracting and spreading the virus.
Avoid contact with wild animals: Try to avoid contact with wild animals such as bats, raccoons, and foxes, especially those that display abnormal behavior.
Wash wounds promptly: If bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical help.
Human rabies vaccine: People living in high-risk areas or working in the field should consider preventive rabies vaccination.

Rabies is a deadly but preventable disease. Knowing which animals carry rabies and how to take appropriate preventive measures can greatly reduce the risk of infection. Through global rabies vaccination and education, we can effectively control this threat and protect the health of people and animals.

animal tags： Dog Black-bears Rabbit Foxes Horses Cattle Jackals