What is Rabies?

Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the nervous system of mammals. It concentrates in nerves and the brain and results in death. It is transmitted by saliva. Usually the saliva enters the body through a bite wound but it can also cause infection through contact with cuts and scrapes or through mucous membranes in the mouth, eyes, or nose.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Animals infected by rabies do not always show the same signs. They can be anxious and aggressive or they may be lethargic; sometimes they have a fever and pain, sometimes they are unsteady, and they can be paralyzed. Unfortunately there is no test for rabies that can be performed on a living animal and once clinical signs appear death soon follows.

​If a pet is bitten by any animal with unknown vaccine status, they may have to be quarantined, especially if they are not up to date on their rabies vaccine. This quarantine is to protect people and other animals while the exposed animal is monitored for signs of rabies.

Rabies Cases in Canada

In January and February of this year there have already been 24 cases of confirmed rabies in Canada and 25% of those cases were in dogs. In 2018, there were 183 cases in Canada with 10 of those coming from Alberta. One of the cases from Alberta was a pet cat. After being infected the cat bit and infected two people. Fortunately, those 2 people lived after receiving quick medical attention but there is no treatment for animals and the cat died. Vaccinating your pets is the only way to protect them from rabies and in turn protect your family from the risk of being bitten by an infected pet.

In Alberta, bats tend to be the main reservoir for rabies but it is also found in raccoons, skunks, and foxes. If you do come across an injured or dead wild animal, especially a bat, do not approach or move the animal. You can contact animal care and control by dialing 311 for advice on what to do. There is also an Alberta Community Bat Program that you can contact toll free (1-866-574-1706) for information on what to do with bats you find (dead or alive).

For more statistics on Canadian rabies cases, please see the CFIA archives here.
For more information on bats in Alberta, please go to Alberta Bats.