How to check for rabies in dogs
Rabies is a fatal disease caused by the rabies virus and is spread primarily through bites or scratches from infected animals. Dogs are one of the main transmitters of rabies, so timely detection and prevention of rabies is crucial to pet dog and human health. This article will detail how to check if your dog is infected with rabies and provide relevant data and preventive measures.
1. Symptoms of rabies
The symptoms of rabies are usually divided into three stages: prodromal stage, excitement stage and paralysis stage. The following are typical symptoms of each stage:
| stage | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| prodromal stage | Abnormal behavior, loss of appetite, fever, photophobia |
| excitement period | Increased aggression, drooling, abnormal barking, fear of water |
| paralysis period | Quadriplegia, coma, respiratory failure |
2. How to check whether a dog is infected with rabies
If you suspect your dog may be infected with rabies, you should take the following steps immediately:
1.Watch for symptoms: Record behavioral changes and physical symptoms in your dog, such as aggression, drooling, or paralysis.
2.quarantine animals: Isolate suspected infected dogs from other animals and humans to avoid further spread.
3.Contact your veterinarian: Contact your veterinarian or local animal control center immediately to arrange for professional testing.
4.Laboratory testing: The diagnosis of rabies requires laboratory testing, which usually includes the following methods:
| Detection method | Description |
|---|---|
| Direct fluorescent antibody assay (DFA) | Detection of rabies virus antigens in brain tissue is the gold standard |
| PCR test | Detection of viral RNA by molecular biology methods |
| Serological testing | Detection of antibody levels, suitable for post-vaccination assessment |
3. Preventive measures against rabies
The most effective way to prevent rabies is to vaccinate your dog regularly. Here is information about rabies vaccines:
| Vaccine type | vaccination frequency | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| inactivated vaccine | once a year | Suitable for all healthy dogs |
| Recombinant vaccine | once every three years | Approved for use in some countries |
Dogs should also be kept away from contact with wild animals, especially those that may carry rabies, such as bats, foxes, and raccoons.
4. Treatment after a person is bitten by a dog
If a person is bitten by a suspected rabid dog, the following measures should be taken immediately:
1.Clean the wound: Wash the wound with soap and plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
2.Seek medical advice: Go to the hospital as soon as possible. The doctor will decide whether to vaccinate against rabies and immune globulin based on the wound condition.
3.report: Report bites to your local health department so the spread of rabies can be tracked.
5. Global rabies data
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), rabies remains a serious public health problem globally. Here are some statistics:
| area | annual deaths | Main spreading animals |
|---|---|---|
| Asia | about 35,000 | dog |
| africa | About 24,000 | dog |
| America | about 200 | bat, fox |
6. Summary
Rabies is a preventable but fatal disease, and dogs are one of its main spreaders. By observing symptoms, timely testing and vaccination, the risk of rabies transmission can be effectively reduced. If you suspect that your dog is infected with rabies, you should contact a professional agency immediately for treatment. At the same time, people who are bitten should take prompt medical measures to ensure their life safety.
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