Rabies and Rabies Vaccination for Pets

The rabies vaccination is usually given to puppies and kittens, and the vaccination must be kept current throughout their lives. The vaccine has a one-year or three-year validity, and pets must be revaccinated before the vaccine expires. The rabies vaccination is an important step in the international pet transport process; it is an essential requirement in most countries worldwide.

What is rabies?

“Rabies is a life-threatening viral disease that affects mammals. It is a zoonotic disease, which means it can travel from animals to humans. The fact that rabies is usually fatal once the symptoms develop makes it one of the most dangerous viral diseases ever. However, rabies is preventable with vaccination. Rabies is treatable in humans and animals only before the symptoms set in. It is, therefore, essential to visit the doctor immediately after being bitten by an animal.

Rabies spreads through direct contact with saliva or any other bodily fluids of an infected animal. Rabies can spread when an infected animal bites, scratches or even licks on an open wound. The virus enters the body through the bloodstream and travels to the brain, where it causes encephalitis or inflammation of brain tissue. The virus attacks the neurons in the brain, which sets off a series of neurological symptoms like extreme behavioral changes and aggression. Rabies symptoms are not seen immediately after biting; it can take weeks or sometimes months to develop. Once the rabies virus reaches the brain, the disease is usually fatal.