Rabies

Reservoir: Wildlife populations of animals, particularly bats, racoons, etc.

Portal of Exit: Saliva of an infected animal 

Mode of Transmission: Indirect Direct

• Example: the broken skin or MM in the eyes, nose, or mouth comes in direct contact with saliva or brain/nervous tissue of an infected animal

Portal of Entry: Through the bite, but non-bite exposures exist (ie- if contaminated saliva is on the claws of a racoon and they scratch someone).  Inhalation is very rare.

Susceptible Host: Mammals, esp unvaccinated mammals

How can we control transmission of the disease: Effective vaccines if they are available.  Avoiding wildlife that may be acting neurologic.  Wash all bites immediately and seek medical care if exposed.  Control of wildlife populations at risk of rabies and culling infected animals.  

Sources: CDC website

Reviewed by: Stephanie Marks, DVM