Rabies (Classical Rabies) and Rabies in Bats (European Bat Lyssaviruses)
Animal Health investigates all incidents of suspected notifiable disease. If you suspect signs of a notifiable disease, you must immediately notify your local Animal Health office.
THE RISK TO YOUR ANIMALS
Rabies is a usually fatal viral disease of the nervous system caused by a rhabdovirus which can affect all mammals including humans. Bats are particularly susceptible to a strain of rabies called European Bat Lyssavirus (EBLV).
Although all mammals are susceptible to rabies, small carnivores (e.g. dogs, foxes) act as principal reservoirs of infection. Once clinical signs develop in mammals, the course of the disease is short and death usually follows within eight days of onset.
Unlike terrestrial mammals, rabies in bats may not always be fatal. Bats may become carriers of the infection and excrete virus, potentially infecting other bats and any terrestrial mammal with which they may have direct contact.
The disease is most commonly transmitted by the bite of an infected animal, although other routes include contamination of open wounds, scratches or mucous membranes with infected saliva.
The incubation period is variable and may last for many days or months (or years) depending on the strain of rabies virus, the infective dose and the site of the bite. Most infected dogs and cats will develop the disease within two to six weeks and exceptionally may take up to six months.
During the incubation period animals are not normally infectious. It is only when the virus spreads via the nervous system from the site of the bite to the brain, bringing about the principal clinical signs of the disease, and thence to the salivary glands that the animal becomes infectious and excretes virus in its saliva. The virus may however be excreted for a short period prior to the onset of clinical signs. In the case of cats for up to one day and in dogs usually no more than 13 days before onset.
Clinical signs
Normally, rabid animals show changes in behaviour, although some animals may die without showing any clinical signs.
During the early stages of disease the animal’s demeanour may change; timid animals may become bold, friendly animals may show apprehension. There may be hyperactivity, hypersensitivity to noise or light and a tendency for dogs to excessively seek attention and lick their owners. In some cases these initial signs may not be apparent.
This is followed by the animal showing increased aggression. The animal may attempt to bite objects, other animals and its handler. The eyes take on a staring expression. The lower jaw may droop and there may be copious salivation. Animals may suffer from general itching and increased thirst. Dogs may attempt to break free and attack everything in their way.
The final stages of disease are characterised by weakness of the muscles, especially the legs and tail. The jaw and eyelids may sag and there will be increasing difficulty in swallowing. Animals may drool saliva profusely. General paralysis may be followed by convulsions and coma before death.
REDUCING THE RISK OF DISEASE
The primary objective of the rabies control strategy is to prevent the introduction of disease into Great Britain in the first place. The principal controls are quarantine and the Pet Travel Scheme.
If you suspect rabies in a terrestrial mammal do not approach it, but contact your local Animal Health office immediately.
The Health Protection Agency has detailed guidance, which includes recommended pre-exposure vaccination for those handling bats on a regular basis, and immediate precautionary administration of rabies vaccine for anyone bitten or scratched by a bat.
Bats will generally avoid contact with humans but occasionally may enter property or get caught by a cat. If you find a bat, dead or alive, do not touch it. If it appears to be sick or in difficulty, or has died, call the Bat Conservation Trust helpline on 0845 130 0228 and ask for advice.
Defra has published a list of questions and answers around bat rabies, including advice for those finding sick bats.
See our pages on biosecurity for advice on how to help prevention of disease.
REDUCING THE IMPACT OF DISEASE
Defra’s Rabies Disease Control Strategy (PDF 377KB)
outlines certain disease scenarios for an outbreak of rabies. It covers the broad control strategies for these scenarios and the rationale for such strategies.
Further information:
