Rabies Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, November 2008.
Answers to questions about rabies
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- Can you catch rabies from dead animals?
- How do I know if an animal has rabies?
- Will my dog catch rabies if I take it abroad?
Can you catch rabies from dead animals?
Although unlikely, it's possible to catch rabies from dead animals, so don't handle any animal corpses you come across in countries where rabies is present.
Explanation
To catch rabies, the virus must enter your body either through broken skin or through mucous membranes (such as in the mouth or nose). This most commonly happens when a person is bitten or scratched by an infected animal, often a dog. Rabies can also be spread through a scratch if infected saliva comes into contact with it. However, contact with infected saliva from a dead animal can potentially spread the disease.
For this reason you shouldn't handle dead wild animals directly in countries where rabies is present, should you come across one.
In the UK, don't handle dead bats, should you come across one. A rabies-like virus has been found in bats in the UK. Instead, contact the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). People who handle live bats should talk to their GP about getting a vaccination.
Further information
- Health Protection Agency
www.hpa.org.uk
Sources
- Rabies questions and answers. Immunization action coalition. www.vaccineinformation.org, accessed 7 March 2008
- Disease surveillance and control. Defra. www.defra.gov.uk, accessed 7 March 2008
- Expert WHO consultation on rabies. World Health Organisation, 2004. www.who.int, accessed 27 February 2008
- Rabies: FAQ. Health Protection Agency. www.hpa.org.uk, accessed 27 February 2008
- Rabies. World Health Organization. www.who.int, accessed 27 February 2008
How do I know if an animal has rabies?
As in humans, the symptoms in animals with rabies vary depending on whether it develops as furious or dumb rabies.
Explanation
Some rabid dogs will display all the signs of furious rabies, such as being aggressive and foaming at the mouth. This is caused by excessive production of saliva and an inability to swallow.
However, if an animal has paralytic or dumb rabies it may be subdued, and seemingly tame because of paralysis caused by the disease. This is one reason why you shouldn't handle wild animals in countries where rabies is present, even if you come across an animal that appears docile.
Animals with rabies may initially appear confused or nervous. They may also have hydrophobia, and will avoid water.
Further information
- Health Protection Agency
www.hpa.org.uk
Sources
- Rabies. National Travel Health Network and Centre. www.nathnac.org, accessed 6 March 2008
- Disease surveillance and control. Defra. www.defra.gov.uk, accessed 7 March 2008
Will my dog catch rabies if I take it abroad?
If you plan on travelling with your dog, it needs to be vaccinated for rabies. This will prevent it from catching the disease while you travel. You will need to follow strict guidelines for it to be allowed back into the UK.
Explanation
The UK has a strict quarantine law that has helped prevent rabies. Most animals that are able to carry rabies need to stay in quarantine for six months before being allowed in to the country. In this way, if the animal does have the virus, it's likely to develop in this time and be noted. This allows the authorities to prevent the disease spreading.
Your dog will need to be vaccinated against rabies before you go abroad if you wish to avoid the quarantine procedure on return.
Under the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS), a record is made of where an animal has travelled and what vaccinations it has received. So long as it hasn't gone outside a list of specified countries, it won't have to be quarantined for six months when you return.
Further information
- Health Protection Agency
www.hpa.org.uk
Source
- Disease factsheet: Rabies. Defra. www.defra.gov.uk, accessed 11 March 2008
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: November 2008
Rabies factsheet
Visit the rabies health factsheet for more information.
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