Frequently Asked Questions

Abstract

Rabies is a serious viral disease that occurs in all mammals including humans. Domestic and pet animals affected with the disease include dogs, cats, ferrets, horses, cows, buffaloes, sheep, goats, camels etc. Wild animals that are most at risk include mongooses, foxes, wolves, raccoons, skunks, groundhogs, coyotes, bobcats, beavers, fishers, minks, otters, muskrats, and bats in some regions. Rabies has very wide prevalence across the world and kills more than 50,000 people and millions of animals every year. The disease is endemic in India. Despite being vaccine preventable, rabies continues to kill primarily due to rampant ignorance and people’s wrong perceptions of the disease. Many times even healthcare personnel and veterinarians have doubts about the actions required in individual cases of suspected exposures for prevention of rabies as well as for their own safeguard against the occupational risk. This chapter presents 200 frequently asked questions and attempts to clear the doubts of the people of all strata of the community including pet lovers, public health professionals, veterinarians, and the common people concerning the risk of rabies and preventive measures in different situations.