RABIES Help! DS just picked up a dead rabbit**update, called DR, all's fine**

[Beth76]

Somehow (of course ) DS found a dead rabbit in the yard and picked it up. It had been torn in half (fantastic, I know) and this was the back end. I think he just picked it up by the foot. Isn't rabies transmitted by scratching or biting? Not just touching right?

 

[julia & nicks mom]

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/rabi...t rabies in any way other than an animal bite

1. Q: How do people get rabies?

A: People usually get get rabies from the bite of a rabid animal. It is also possible, but quite rare, that people may get rabies if infectious material from a rabid animal, such as saliva, gets directly into their eyes, nose, mouth, or a wound.

2. Q: Can I get rabies in any way other than an animal bite?

A: Non-bite exposures to rabies are very rare. Scratches, abrasions, open wounds, or mucous membranes contaminated with saliva or other potentially infectious material (such as brain tissue) from a rabid animal constitute non-bite exposures. Occasionally reports of non-bite exposure are such that postexposure prophylaxis is given.

Inhalation of aerosolized rabies virus is also a potential non-bite route of exposure, but other than laboratory workers, most people are unlikely to encounter an aerosol of rabies virus.

Other contact, such as petting a rabid animal or contact with the blood, urine or feces (e.g., guano) of a rabid animal, does not constitute an exposure and is not an indication for prophylaxis.

aren't Boys fun?!?!?

hth!

 

[piratesmate]

"Q: Can I get rabies in any way other than an animal bite?

A: Non-bite exposures to rabies are very rare. Scratches, abrasions, open wounds, or mucous membranes contaminated with saliva or other potentially infectious material (such as brain tissue) from a rabid animal constitute non-bite exposures. Occasionally reports of non-bite exposure are such that postexposure prophylaxis is given.

Inhalation of aerosolized rabies virus is also a potential non-bite route of exposure, but other than laboratory workers, most people are unlikely to encounter an aerosol of rabies virus.

Other contact, such as petting a rabid animal or contact with the blood, urine or feces (e.g., guano) of a rabid animal, does not constitute an exposure and is not an indication for prophylaxis."



Even so, I would call the pediatrician to see what he wants to do.

 

[Beth76]

Thanks, I was just reading that same info. I guess he's OK. They say it's rare in rodents anyway. I just can't believe this.

 

[dianeschlicht]

The other thing is that rabbits are not as likely to be rabid as some other critters. Sounds to me like this one met his demise at the hands of a preditor! Probably got chomped by a dog!

 

[Beth76]

Do you think I should call the doctor? This animal was definitely attacked by something, probably the neighbor's cat.

 

[boucheresq]

I recommend calling the town Animal Control Officer to come get the rabbit and have it tested - it would be free to you.

 

[piratesmate]

Don't they test the brain? It sounds like this poor critter doesn't its brain anymore. I'd call anyway.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Usually rabbits don't carry rabies. It would be very rare.

But I'd still get him checked out for other, less scary, things.

 

[Beth76]

Called the doctor and they said it's fine. Just to wash his hands, which of course we did immediately.

LOL!! I just realized I updated you guys before my husband.

 

[Pooh67_68]

LOL!! I just realized I updated you guys before my husband.

As it should be


Glad to hear the doctor said its fine.

 

[luv2nascar]

I'd have the rabbit tested if its free
their is no cure if you get rabbies
my FIL & BIL long story went out to break up cat fight turns out it was a raccoon and cat. The raccoon kept attacking the cat. FIL & BIL killed raccoon with shovel and handled it with shovel into bag took it to vets. cat was kept in cage until test came back. Raccoon had rabbies cat had to be put down. FIL & BIL had to get rabbies shots because they didn't have gloves on. They didn't even touch the raccoon just used the shovel.
so be careful. The rabbies shots are painful and you get plenty of them every so many weeks.

 

[minkydog]

Here in Georgia it is estimated that over 50% of the raccoon population and over 2/3 of the foxes are rabid. Rabbits and squirrels are rarely carriers. Still, it'd be pretty upsetting to find half a dead rabbit in your yard.

 

[Joyciemc]

Thanks, I was just reading that same info. I guess he's OK. They say it's rare in rodents anyway. I just can't believe this.

I'm going to be nit picky, and I know it's obnoxious, but rabbits aren't rodents. They're lagomorphs. I'm sure you don't care, but if the question ever comes up on Jeopardy, at least you'll know!

Honestly, I'm glad your son won't need any treatment... i remember picking up a dead mouse when I was little. Kids are fascinated by the strangest things!!

 

[DawnCt1]

Raccoons are the most common carriers. I had an employee ( I am an occ health nurse) who came to the clinic. She was putting out her trash and heard a noise. Out jumped a raccoon who scratched her with his front paw while making his escape. The wound bled. She came to me asking what she should do. My opinion was, given the way that raccoons handle their food, and eat with their paws, she should be given prophalaxis. She went to the ER and the nurse practioner told her that the shots were very painful and that she didn't think it was necessary. I told her that if that were to happen she was to ask for my DH to be paged. (DH is an infectious diseases specialist) He came to the ER, saw my employee and she was given the shots. The concern of course is saliva exposure on the nails and paws, given the way raccoons eat. Rabbits and other rodents aren't usually carriers.

 

[phillybeth]

Raccoons are the most common carriers.

Bats too.