Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system. It can be transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, or through the saliva of a rabid animal coming into contact with the eyes, nose, mouth, or a break in the skin.
Most cases of rabies in Texas occur in the spring, probably because there are more opportunities for spreading the disease during the spring mating seasons of wild animals. However, rabies can and does occur throughout the entire year in both wild and domestic animals. Rabies in bats occurs mainly in the warmer months.
All warm-blooded animals, including humans, are susceptible to rabies. In Texas, skunks, bats, coyotes, and foxes are the most commonly infected animals. Dogs, cats, and livestock commonly acquire rabies from wild animals. Although the incidence of domesticated animals becoming infected with rabies is less than with wild animals, the danger is greater because of their close association with humans.
The incubation period is the time it takes clinical signs to develop after exposure to a rabid animal. It can take from 14 days to 18 months for rabies to incubate, depending on the animal species, the amount and virulence of the virus, the age of the victim, and the site of the wound. The average incubation period, which varies greatly, is 3-8 weeks for most species.
Public education and cooperation is essential in order to control the spread of rabies. All dogs and cats over 4 months old should be vaccinated against rabies yearly. Vaccination can be obtained through private veterinarians, and sometimes through community-sponsored vaccination clinics. The public needs to remember that even dogs that are kept in fenced yards can come into contact with rabid wild animals. Dog food should not be left out at night as it can attract wild animals. If possible, keep garbage in cans with tight-fitting lids. Teach your children to never try to touch a wild animal. A wild animal that does not appear to have a fear of humans is not behaving normally, and might be rabid. Animals that are usually nocturnal might be seen in the daytime if they are rabid. If you see an animal behaving strangely, do not try to touch it. Call for help.
In the event you are bitten, immediately wash the bite with soap and water. See a doctor as soon as possible. The doctor will help you decide if you need to seek treatment to prevent rabies. Any animal bites should be reported to the local law enforcement agency. If you know who owns the animal the authorities will need the information so they can check with the owner to see if the animal is currently vaccinated against rabies. If the animal is wild and cannot be located for testing, it is possible that the person who was bitten will need to receive the rabies vaccine.
The Brownwood/Brown County Health Department is the rabies depot for our area, and dispenses rabies vaccine for Brown, Erath, Coleman, Eastland, Mills, Comanche, McCulloch, and other counties in central Texas as needed.
For questions or further information please call the BBCHD at 325-646-0554.
