Animal Rabies Research Paper

The rabies virus has already survived for hundreds of years and is often fatal. The are 71 different species in this pathogen's family with 11 genera. The genus I identified is the lyssavirus from the family Rhabdovirdae. The species of the family Rhabdovirdae, I found on this farm in Montana, was rabies. Animals and humans can be a host to this virus. It is a zoonotic disease prevalent in wildlife, and the main animals involved vary between continents. In North America the main animals involved are foxes, skunks, raccoons, and bats. Humans can become infected by the infected saliva of a rabid animal. This can occur from being bit or from scratching themselves by an object with infected saliva on it. Many cats, dogs, and cattle are particularly susceptible to this virus. There are 2 forms of the …show more content…
It is believed the dog obtained the virus from a skunk, as approximately a month earlier, the dog returned from a stroll in dire need of a tomato juice bath, due to the odor from being sprayed by a skunk. So far, none of the family or farm workers have been infected. Thanks to Louis Pasteur, there is a rabies vaccine available for the rabies virus. Unfortunately the dog was not up to date on his rabies vaccination, and has been recently euthanized and tested for the virus, with a positive diagnosis. The ten cows that were also showing signs of rabies were also suggested to be euthanized to decrease the risk of spreading the infection on the farm. The remaining animals and any humans in contact with them are suggested to get a current vaccine. The farmers have been told to continue monitoring, both the animals and themselves, for any symptoms so that prompt treatment may be initiated if needed. They were also advised to disinfect any areas the infected animals may have infected. Since the infection is usually transmitted through saliva, proper protective equipment should be used, such as latex