As a Veterinary Technician, I am occasionally asked if rabies is still a problem in Canada. While we hardly ever hear about rabies cases in this country, because we vaccinate our pets for rabies is here. As of April 2017, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) stated that there were 55 confirmed cases of rabies in Canada. Four were cows, two were cats, and one was a dog. Most of the wildlife cases were skunks and raccoons. Now keep in mind these are only the cases that are sent in to the CFIA. The actual numbers are likely higher because there are rabid animals that are never found or reported.
Rabies is a virus that affects the nervous system of mammals. It is zoonotic, meaning it can move from one species to another. There are two forms of rabies, “dumb” rabies and “furious” rabies. Most people are only aware of the furious form – an aggressive animal attacking anything in sight, including their own limbs. People usually avoid these animals.
Dumb rabies is not so obvious. The behaviour changes are subtle. Domestic animals may try to hide or seem to be depressed. Wild animals may be overly friendly toward humans and those that are nocturnal may be seen during the day. We don’t always think of these behaviours as those of a rabid animal. Dumb rabies can also paralyse an animal’s face or neck, causing them to drool, or paralyse the hind legs. People put themselves at risk by interacting with domestic animals they think are sick (but don’t suspect rabies) or by attempting to collect injured wildlife to bring to a veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitation centre. These wild animals can also mingle with our pets, spreading the disease for our pets to bring home.
In both cases, an infected animal can spread the disease before they show any signs at all. Rabies travels in the saliva, and it can be transferred by a bite, but any broken skin will do. The virus can cross mucous membranes, so getting saliva in your eyes or mouth will also infect you (think of a drooling dog shaking his head or having a big sneeze). If you have a cut or wound on your hands or arms, and handle a rabid animal, you can contract rabies. Once someone shows signs of rabies, it is almost always fatal. There is no treatment at this point.
This is why it is so important that we keep vaccinating our pets. If we protect them, we can protect ourselves. Who expects their dog to come back from a trek in the woods carrying rabies? That happy hello lick can transfer rabies without either of you knowing it, which means you won’t seek medical help. According to the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), cats are more likely to get rabies than dogs, perhaps because many people do not vaccinate their outdoor cats
If someone thinks they have been exposed to rabies, they can get a series of post-exposure vaccines to help the body fight the virus before it reaches the brain and causes symptoms. This needs to be done as soon as possible after exposure. If you even think you have been exposed to rabies, you need to get a series of post-exposure vaccines. Rabies is lethal, and cannot be treated after symptoms develop.
Preventive care for cats and dogs is a simple vaccine. Often your veterinarian already includes it in your pet’s health protocol. The vaccine usually lasts for 3 years, though yearly exams are always recommended. Dogs and cats age more quickly than we do, and heart, kidney, liver or dental health issues are much easier to treat when they are caught early. Talk to your veterinary health team about scheduling your pet’s vaccines and yearly check ups. Rabies, like many health issues, is all about prevention.
Written by: Baleigh McWade
