Symptom
The initial period of rabies can vary from a few days to several months depending on the location of the bite. Most cases develop within 21 to 30 days after the animal is infected with the virus. The disease is usually divided into two forms: furious rabies and dumb (paralytic) rabies.
In fact, many dogs with rabies show both forms, alternating between them, initially showing signs of frenzy and agitation, then progressing to depression and paralysis.
In the early stages of the disease, rabid dogs show unusual signs such as hiding in dark, hidden corners, the animal appears to be excited, occasionally barking randomly or restlessly; drooling, foaming at the mouth, walking crookedly, then the animal leaves home to wander, when encountering strange objects or people it will scratch, bite and attack.
Cats are less likely to get rabies than dogs. Rabies in cats progresses the same way as in dogs. Cats often hide in secluded places or cry out, restless as if in heat; when touched by people, they scratch and bite hard.
Rabies vaccination
Dog and cat owners must report to the commune-level People's Committee and veterinary agency. Dogs must be chained and kept within the family compound to ensure environmental hygiene and not affect people around them. When taking dogs out in public, they must wear a muzzle and be led by someone. People should not play with or tease dogs and cats.
If raising dogs and cats in large numbers, veterinary hygiene must be ensured and not affect the daily activities of the residential area. Strictly comply with rabies vaccination for dogs and cats according to regulations. Vaccination for dogs and cats is determined by specialized veterinary agencies and ensures a vaccination rate of at least 90%. In the area of annual vaccination, the veterinary sector organizes vaccination for dogs in two rounds. Round 1 in March and April, round 2 in September and October and organizes additional vaccinations every month.
How to handle a dog or cat bite
Regularly monitor and supervise family dogs and cats. When detecting dogs or cats biting, scratching people or attacking other animals, they must be isolated and immediately reported to local authorities and veterinary staff for coordination in handling. People who are scratched by dogs or cats need to quickly wash the bite thoroughly with soap under running water for 15 minutes, disinfect with 45-70 degree Celsius alcohol or iodine alcohol to reduce the amount of rabies virus at the bite, and go immediately to a medical facility for timely treatment instructions. Absolutely do not treat with herbal medicine. Note that if the bite is on the head, face, neck, shoulder, or near the spinal cord, in addition to vaccination, anti-rabies serum must be quickly injected regardless of whether the animal has rabies or not. If the injection is delayed, the vaccine will be less effective or no longer effective.
All dogs and cats that are not vaccinated against rabies must be destroyed. Dog and cat owners must bear all costs of destruction and be held criminally responsible if their rabid dogs or cats bite someone and cause death.
NGUYEN MINH DUC, Deputy Head of the Department of Livestock and Veterinary Medicine of Hai Duong provinceSource: https://baohaiduong.vn/chi-cuc-chan-nuoi-va-thu-y-tinh-hai-duong-khuyen-cao-phong-ngua-benh-dai-385544.html
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