The Truth About Rabies

The Truth About Rabies

This is the time of year when our hotline receives an increase in calls about animals that people fear have rabies. A fox seen during the day, an opossum moving slowly, or a racoon with saliva around his mouth can understandably cause concern, but these signs do not necessarily mean an animal is rabid.

Even in areas where cases have been reported, rabies is statistically rare in wildlife. While the disease is carried by mammals, only a small fraction of those that people encounter is affected. Unfortunately, rabies can only be definitively diagnosed after an animal has died (or is killed), which means assumptions can have devastating consequences. Thousands of animals are unnecessarily killed for testing each year owing to the small number that test positive.

Many commons signs of rabies have other far more likely explanations. Nocturnal animals may be active during the day because urban wildlife often adapt their schedule to food availability and human activity. Pregnant and nursing mothers may need to forage more often to meet their increased caloric needs while caring for their young. An animal may appear unsteady, lethargic, or have excessive drooling due to injury, stress, illness, or even simply dehydration. In fact, symptoms of rabies are consistent with symptoms of distemper, a far more common disease that can sometimes be treated with prompt professional care. Even the notorious symptom of increased aggression can lead to fear-based assumptions as any sick and vulnerable animal may defend themselves by any means necessary. Opossums especially are commonly misunderstood as rabid. They are sometimes feared because they are not what people consider conventionally cute; their short lifespan of 1-3 years means their bodies slow down and show visible signs of age rapidly. Additionally, females will reproduce 1-3 times every year, meaning they are more likely to be out during all hours trying to find enough food to support their family. In truth, opossums happen to be extremely resistant to rabies as the virus cannot survive at their naturally lower body temperature.  Fear for one’s own safety likely drives labeling an animal as rabid, but that rashness can have very real and fatal consequences for the animal. The safest response to a wild animal is the same in any situation, regardless of disease: give wildlife space, do not attempt to handle, keep pets away, and contact our hotline if an animal appears injured, sick, or unable to move. WRR exists not only to provide care for animals in need, but to help prevent harm to animals in the first place. Don't let fear be the reason an innocent animal's life is ended. Our hotline specialists are available to help you make informed and compassionate decisions.