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1. What is rabies?

Rabies is a disease of certain warm-blooded animals and is caused by a virus in the Rhabdoviridae family. It attacks the nervous system and, once symptoms develop, is 100% fatal in animals if left untreated. In Colusa County, rabies occurs primarily in bats and skunks. Other potential wild animals that may carry rabies include coyotes, raccoons, and foxes.

In some instances, these wild animals can infect domestic cats, dogs, and livestock. In the U.S., cats are more likely than dogs to be rabid. Rabies is rare in small rodents such as beavers, chipmunks, rabbits, squirrels, rats, mice, or hamsters. Rabies can be prevented in humans, pets, and livestock with a vaccine.

2. How is rabies spread?

The rabies virus enters the body through a cut or scratch, or through mucous membranes (such as the lining of the mouth and eyes), and travels to the central nervous system. Once the infection is established in the brain, the virus travels down the nerves from the brain and multiplies in different organs.

The salivary glands and organs are most important in the spread of rabies from one animal to another. When an infected animal bites another animal, the rabies virus is transmitted through the infected animal's saliva. Scratches by claws of rabid animals are also dangerous, because these animals lick their claws.

3. Where can I find more information about rabies?

The California Department of Public Health Services has online rabies resources, including additional frequently asked questions about the disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also provide online information about rabies.