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Rabies Infection and Animals What is rabies? Rabies is a disease caused by the rabies virus. It may take several weeks or even a few years for people to show symptoms after getting infected with rabies, but usually people start to show signs of the disease 1 to 3 months after the virus infects them. The early signs of rabies can be fever or headache, but this changes quickly to nervous system signs, such as confusion, sleepiness, or agitation. Once someone with rabies infection starts having these symptoms, that person usually does not survive. This is why it is very important to talk to your doctor or health care provider right away if any animal bites you, especially a wild animal. Can animals transmit rabies to me? Yes, many kinds of animal can pass rabies to people. Wild animals are much more likely to carry rabies, especially raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes, and coyotes. However, dogs, cats, cattle (cows), or any warm-blooded animal can pass rabies to people. People usually get rabies from the bite of an infected animal. Many animals, such as dogs, cats, and horses are vaccinated against rabies, but you should always wash any bite thoroughly and check with your health care provider about what to do if any animal bites you. How can I protect myself from getting rabies? Be a responsible pet owner:
Avoid direct contact with unfamiliar animals:
More information about rabies? Learn more about rabies at CDC's Rabies site, and Rabies Kids Rabies Home Page which includes questions and answers, prevention and control information, and more. Horse stabled at Tennessee Walking Horse 2006 National Celebration Tested Positive for Rabies
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