Rabies: Background

The rabies virus is caused by a number of lyssaviruses. Rabies can affect any mammal. Wildlife in Arizona such as bats, coyotes, foxes, raccoons and skunks can carry rabies. Domestic animals such as cats, dogs and ferrets can carry the virus.

The most common route of transmission is via bite by an infected animal. It can also be transmitted when infected saliva or brain tissue contaminates a cut and/or mucous membranes. Once symptoms begin, the disease is fatal. There are a few behavior signs that are telltale of rabies, however, an infected animal will exhibit abnormal behavior such as being active during odd hours and appearing especially docile (“dumb”) or extremely aggressive.

Once bitten, the rabies virus has to travel through the body to the brain before symptoms will appear. The incubation process can last from weeks to months and may vary based on the exposure site (how far away it is from the brain).