Monday, September 28 is World Rabies Day—the 17th observance of a day dedicated to raising awareness of one of the world’s deadliest but most preventable diseases. Rabies is a virus found in the saliva and nervous system of infected mammals and spread between animals and from animals to people.
The most important step people can take to protect themselves from rabies is to get their dogs and cats vaccinated. In the U.S., rabies vaccination rates among cats and dogs are high and rabies deaths are rare. Worldwide, however, 59,000 people die each year from rabies, and exposure to rabid dogs is the cause of 99% of these deaths according to the CDC.
While any mammal can have rabies, it is most commonly found in rabies vector species, which are geographically specific. In Oklahoma, bats and skunks are considered the rabies vector species. In 2019,the Oklahoma State Department of Health confirmed 23 cases of rabies in the state. Of those, 17% were bats and 48% were skunks. Throughout the U.S., rabies is most commonly reported in cats, dogs, and cattle.
Being a rabies vector species means that these are the most common reservoirs or common animals to have consistent virus levels in their populations, but it does NOT mean that all bats and skunks carry rabies. Only a small portion of bat or skunk populations or whatever the rabies vector species is for a specific state or area is generally affected.
If a bat or skunk needs help, people should contact Wild-Care or local animal control before taking action. “While we have had a few positive cases since I have been at WildCare, we still take all situations seriously. We approach each intake of rabies vector species (bats and skunks in Oklahoma) and neurologic mammals with extreme caution. The health and safety of the public, our staff, and the animals are top priorities for WildCare,” explained Mack Thomas, WildCare’s team lead for rabies vector species.
Whenever anyone come to WildCare with a bat, skunk, or any animal showing neurologic abnormalities (circling, disorientation, unsteady gait when walking, head tilting, immobility or limb dragging, and/or seizures), staff go through a risk assessment with the member of the public. If indicated, the staff immediately call the Oklahoma state epidemiologist who determines whether the animal must be tested for rabies. This means destruction of the animals as staff must euthanize— the only way rabies can be tested is by using the brain tissue.
“Unfortunately, far too many animals end up being sent for testing because people have interacted inappropriately with skunks or bats—handling them, trying to care for them despite no training or PPE, or allowing their children to play with them,” noted Inger Giuffrida, WildCare’s executive director. “But public health comes first every time. We cannot take any risks.”
This can be prevented if people remember to never touch a bat, skunk, or neurologic animal. Rabies is 100% fatal if not treated. Prevention is the key.
All staff at WildCare must be pre-rabies exposure vaccinated to handle bats, skunks, or neurologic mammals. This does not prevent rabies; however, it provides s a little more time to get post-exposure treatment and simplifies the treatment process.
Once at WildCare, mammal patients get vaccinated for rabies. This prevents the risk of transmission in the facility and once the animals are released to the wild.
Members of the public should remember to call Wild-Care for help in dealing with any wildlife issue, but in particular if a bat, skunk, or neurologic animal is found at (405-872-9338) or email WildCare (info@wildcareoklahoma. org).