RABIES VIRUS

History of Rabies Virus

• The disease was recognized in

Egypt before 2300 B.C. and in
ancient Greece, where it was
described by Aristotle.
• The method of transmission of
rabies was not recognized until
1804.
• Rabies is thought to be
responsible for the origin of
vampire legends (bats, biting,
hypersexuality are associated
with rabies).
• Infects all Mammals. In North
America, rabies is most common
in skunks, foxes, raccoons, bats,
dogs, and catsCauses the most
lethal of all infectious diseases.
Even the most extreme modern
medical interventions are usually
not successful.
Racoons, Skunks, Foxes and Bats Are Major Rabies Reserviors

Racoon Striped Skunk

Red Fox Silvertailed Bat

 www.lmb.uni-muenchen.de/groups/
Conzelmann/default.htm

Rabies is a virus that attacks the

central nervous system of warm-
blooded animals. It can be
transmitted by the bite of a rabid
animal or via the introduction of
the saliva of a rabid animal into a
fresh (less than 24 hours old)
wound. Transmission via other
routes is rare.
Bat Bites Account for About Half of USA Rabies Cases
 Rabies
Control
• Eliminate rabies from
hosts/victims
– Oral baits w/antivirus.
• Has been effective (Europe,
Canada).
• Slowed potential outbreak in
Ohio raccoons.
• Used in Texas for coyotes &
foxes.
– Trap/vaccinate/release
(TVR)
 World-Wide Control of Rabies

• rabies include Urban - Canine rabies accounts for

more than 99% of all worldwide human rabies.
Control measures against canine;
– stray dog control.
– vaccination of dogs.
– quarantine of imported animals.
• Wildlife - Rabies in wild animals is much more
difficult to control than canine rabies. However, on-
going trials in in the USA and Europe using bait
containing rabies vaccine given to foxes and
raccoons reduces rabies levels.
R.H Patel English Medium B.Ed
College Gandhinagar

Sanjay prajapati
E-mail:
sanjaydxn@yahoo.co.in