Spring is a season of change. Nature is slowly shaking off the chill of winter as the trees begin to fill with leaves. Animals are also becoming much more active thus making them more visible. Many of these animals also breed and raise their young during this period. With this comes some inherent danger, not just in the form of physical danger, but from the danger of disease – diseases that can be contracted by both humans and their pets.

The three most common diseases are rabies, canine distemper, and parvovirus. Do any of the diseases sound familiar? Well if they don’t, they should as they all can be found in the south. So let’s review some facts pertaining to potential hazards.

RABIES

The rabies virus causes acute encephalitis in all warm-blooded hosts, including humans. Although all species of mammals are susceptible to rabies the most common mammals are raccoons, foxes, skunks and coyotes. In addition to these animals several species of bats have been confirmed as transmitters of the disease.

The transmission of rabies usually begins when infected saliva of a host is passed to an uninfected animal. The most common form of trans-mission occurs from a bite, but the virus can be transmitted through mucous membranes (i.e., eyes, nose, and mouth) and aerosol trans-mission.

Once the virus has been received, it spreads through the nerves to the spinal cord and brain. In most animals the virus will incubate for a period of 3-12 weeks without the animals showing illness. It is not until the virus has spread through the animal’s brain will signs of the disease appear. In most instances the infected animal will die within 7 days of becoming sick.

Early symptoms of rabies in humans are nonspecific flu-like signs consisting of fever, headache, and malaise, which may last for days. There will also be discomfort or paresthesia at the bite. In days, symptoms of cerebral dysfunction, anxiety, and confusion will progress to delirium, abnormal behavior, hallucinations and insomnia. The acute period of disease generally ends after about a week. Once clinical signs of rabies appear, the disease is almost always fatal.

During the past 100 plus years, human related rabies deaths in the United States declined dramatically. At the turn of the 1900s more than 100 people died annually from rabies. Today human related rabies deaths are rare due to disease detection and prevention. However, the estimated public health costs associated with the remarkable decline exceeds $300 million annually. The key is to avoid risks with potential animals and don’t waste a minute seeking medial help if subjected to an animal bite.

Distemper and parvovirus are much different from rabies. The main difference is humans do not contract either disease, but your pet dog can. Both of these viruses can be contacted from an infected animal or any of their bodily secretions. This can be extremely dangerous as many animals leave scent posts.

These territorial markings are made by passing urine within the designated spot. Often as not, another animal will sniff or lick the scent post, thus transmitting the virus.

In many cases there is no way to tell what is wrong with a sick animal by simply looking at it. An example of this could be comparing the symptoms of both rabies and distemper. Both viruses affect the respiratory and digestive systems, and can cause neurological problems. This can result in the animal having convulsions and lacking fear, the most common systems of progressed rabies.

Many of us can come into contact with potential carriers of all three types of these diseases. This is especially true of hunters, trappers and farmers. Therefore precautions should always be taken to protect against contracting or possibly spreading a virus.

The first and foremost precaution is never attempt to catch or touch a sick animal. This is especially true of domestic animals you are not familiar with which appear to be lost or abandoned.

When handling a dead animal always protect yourself by using rubber gloves. Take immediate action with a cut or scratch from an animal. If the cut begins to show signs of infection seek medical attention immediately.

Report any animal acting oddly to your local animal control department. These professionals are trained and equipped to deal with capturing and testing sick animals. Provide regular