Rabies

• Rabies is a fatal viral zoonosis that affects carnivores and bats, but can affect any mammal
• Rabies is caused by viruses in the genus Lyssavirus in the family Rhabdoviridae
• Globally, rabies virus is the most important member of the Lyssavirus genus
• At least 30 species are known reservoirs for rabies, with dogs being the most important globally
• The incubation period of rabies is prolonged and variable, depending on exposure site and viral dose
• Rabies virus is mainly transmitted through bites from rabid dogs, accounting for over 90% of confirmed cases
• Rabies virus replicates initially in non-nervous tissue at the site of inoculation
• Rabies virus is highly neurotropic and travels via peripheral nerves to the spinal cord and ascends to the brain
• Saliva is the main method of rabies virus transmission, shedding through infected cattle and spreading via the bloodstream
• Clinical signs of rabies in cattle include the paralytic form, depression, excitation, foaming, hitting objects, and altered vocalization
• In cattle, rabies is uncommon but can be spread due to the curious nature of cows inspecting wildlife exhibiting strange behavior
• Lesions observed in cattle with rabies are minimal, with intracytoplasmic inclusions (Negri bodies) being a characteristic feature
• Diagnosis of rabies in cattle involves testing brain samples using rapid immuno-chromatographic and direct Fluorescent Antibody assay
• No treatment is possible for rabies patients, control mechanisms include vaccination and reduction of specific vector species
• Rabies vaccination of cattle is recommended, starting at 3 months of age for primary immunization and repeated annually