Rabies is a fatal zoonosis caused by a lyssavirus. A zoonosis is a disease that can spread between animals and humans, and all warm-blooded animals, such as dogs, cats and humans, are susceptible to the rabies virus.
The virus is found in many different animal species almost all over the world, but it is rare in Europe and has not been seen in native animals in Sweden since 1886. Norway, Iceland, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Japan are also considered rabies-free.
In Eastern Europe, it is mainly raccoon dogs, foxes, cats and bats that spread the infection.
As it is a fatal disease, it is notifiable by law. It is therefore vital that animals transported across Sweden’s borders are correctly vaccinated.
Transmission
Infection mainly occurs through bites or contact with mucous membranes, as the virus is shed in the saliva of the sick animal.
The virus travels along the nerves from the wound to the salivary glands and the brain. In the brain, the virus multiplies and causes damage through inflammation of the brain and its membranes.
The closer the bite is to the head, the faster the disease progresses. The time between infection and the appearance of symptoms can therefore vary from 5 days to 1 year.
An infected animal can therefore shed the virus for several days before any symptoms are seen.
Symptoms
Once the disease has developed, the symptoms show as changes in behaviour. Wild animals often lose their fear, while shyness or aggression is more common in tame animals. The symptoms gradually worsen to movement disorders, paralysis and death.
Even vaccinated dogs and cats that have been bitten by an animal suspected of having rabies must be kept in quarantine and treated by a veterinarian immediately.
Immediate and thorough wound care is extremely important. Once the disease has developed, however, it is always fatal.
Prevention
I vaccinate travelling animals against rabies with Nobivac Rabies every three years.
A valid EU pet passport and an ID microchip are required for vaccination.
Read more about rabies on the website of the Swedish Veterinary Agency (SVA), in Swedish.
