Animals With Rabies: 10 Animals That Can Contract Rabies

Rabies is a serious and deadly virus that can be passed from animals to humans.

It is essential to understand which animals are most likely carriers of Rabies and how to stay safe when encountering them.

Knowing which animals are most commonly affected by Rabies and how to stay safe when encountering them is essential.

This post will explore the top five animals with Rabies and advise on how to stay safe around them.

Knowing which animals may be carrying the virus and what precautions to take can help ensure everyone’s safety.    

1. Raccoons

One of the most common animals with Rabies is the raccoon. While these cute critters might seem harmless and adorable, they can quickly become a threat if infected with the virus.

Raccoons can be carriers of Rabies without symptoms, so it’s best to avoid them altogether.

If you encounter a raccoon, keep your distance and do not approach it unless you have a revaccinated theme against Rabies.

Raccoons can transmit the virus through bites or scratches. 

Keep all trash cans tightly sealed and secure your home to prevent raccoons from entering.

Contact your local animal control agency immediately if you suspect a raccoon may be infected with Rabies.

2. Coyotes

Coyotes are also known to have Rabies, and like raccoons, they are commonly found in urban and suburban areas.

Coyotes are most active at night, so being cautious when walking outside after dark is essential.

Rabid coyotes can exhibit unusual behavior, such as walking in circles or staggering, so if you see one behaving oddly, it’s best to stay away. 

Keep your pets on a leash, and avoid leaving food outside, as this can attract coyotes.

It’s also important to note that coyotes are not typically aggressive toward humans but will attack if threatened or provoked.

Stay safe and stay alert when around coyotes and other animals with Rabies.

3. Dogs

Dogs are among the most common carriers of Rabies, especially in areas with low vaccination rates.

Unvaccinated dogs that come into contact with other animals with Rabies can contract the virus and pass it on to their human owners. 

Symptoms of Rabies in dogs include restlessness, aggression, excessive drooling, and difficulty swallowing.

Domesticated dogs are far less likely to have Rabies than their wild counterparts. However, it is always better to be safe than sorry. 

If you encounter a dog acting strangely or exhibiting any of the above symptoms, it is best to keep your distance and contact animal control immediately.

To protect yourself and your pets from Rabies, ensure your dog is up-to-date on its vaccinations.

In addition, please keep your dog on a leash when out in public and not allow it to roam freely. 

Avoid contact with stray dogs, especially those that look sick or aggressive.

If you suspect your dog may have been exposed to Rabies, immediately seek medical attention for yourself and your pet. 

Knowing the risks associated with dogs and Rabies, you can help protect yourself and your furry companions from this deadly virus.

Always take precautions when interacting with animals, and don’t hesitate to seek medical attention if you suspect that you or your pet may have been exposed to Rabies.

4. Bats

Bats are among the top five animals most commonly known to carry Rabies.

In fact, in the United States, more than 95% of all rabies cases in wild animals are attributed to bats.

However, it’s important to note that most bats are not infected with Rabies, and less than 1% of the bat population carries the virus.

Bats are nocturnal animals and are typically not aggressive towards humans. However, if a bat feels threatened or is sick with Rabies, it may bite or scratch in self-defense.

It’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately if you have been bitten or scratched by a bat.

One way to prevent bat bites is to avoid handling them altogether. If you come across a bat, do not try to catch or touch it.

If you have bats in your home, seek professional help to remove them to avoid potential exposure to Rabies.

If you own a pet, it’s essential to vaccinate it against Rabies and keep it up to date with its shots.

This can not only protect your pets but also you and your family from the risk of Rabies.

5. Skunks

While skunks are not typically associated with animals with Rabies, they can still contract and transmit the disease.

Skunks can be aggressive when infected with Rabies and may show excessive drooling, erratic behavior, and stumbling symptoms.

If you see a skunk displaying these symptoms, it is essential to keep your distance and call animal control immediately. 

Skunks can transmit Rabies to humans through bites or scratches, so it is essential to stay away and not attempt to handle them.

If you are in contact with a skunk and suspect it may have Rabies, seek medical attention immediately.

Remember always to keep your distance from any animals with Rabies and report any sightings of suspicious behavior to your local animal control agency.

6. Red Panda

Red pandas are not commonly associated with Rabies, but they are among the animals with the disease that can transmit it to humans.

While these adorable creatures are not known for aggressive behavior, they may display symptoms of the diseases, such as lethargy, drooling, and difficulty walking.

If you encounter a red panda exhibiting these symptoms, do not approach it and contact local animal control authorities. 

As with any animal with Rabies, avoiding contact and taking precautions, such as wearing protective clothing and getting vaccinated, is essential if you work with animals.

Remember, prevention is critical when protecting yourself from the risks associated with animals with Rabies.

7. Monkeys

While it’s less common for monkeys to contract Rabies, they are still risky if you travel to certain parts of the world.

Monkeys are often found in tropical areas and can carry Rabies if an infected animal bites them.

It’s essential to avoid touching or feeding monkeys, as they can become aggressive and bite if they feel threatened.

If you are traveling to a country with a high risk of Rabies in monkeys, such as India or Indonesia, ensure you get vaccinated before your trip.

Also, avoid any monkeys exhibiting strange behavior, such as aggression or stumbling. If you are bitten or scratched by a monkey, seek medical attention immediately. 

It’s better to be safe than sorry regarding potential rabies exposure.

Remember, prevention is critical. Avoid contact with wild animals and always ensure your pets are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations.

8. Wolves

Wolves are one of the animals that can contract Rabies and transmit it to humans.

The symptoms of Rabies in wolves include a drastic change in their behavior, excessive salivation, and aggression.

If you see a wolf behaving erratically, keep your distance and call animal control immediately.

It is important to note that not all wolves are infected with Rabies, and many wolves are acts of humans and will avoid any interaction.

However, it is still important to take caution in an area where wolves are known to live. If you live in an area where wolves are present, keeping your distance and avoiding contact is best

Do not approach any wolves you see, even if they seem friendly, as this can still put you at risk of contracting Rabies or other diseases.

If you come into contact with a wolf and believe you may have been exposed to Rabies, seek medical attention immediately.

Rabies can be fatal if left untreated, so getting treatment as soon as possible is essential.

Knowing the risks associated with wolves and other animals that can carry Rabies is essential.

Taking precautions and knowing what to do if exposed to the disease can help keep you and others safe.

9. Horses

While horses may not immediately come to mind when considering animals with Rabies, they can interact and transmit the disease.

In Rabies, horses are more common in some parts of the world than others.

Taking proper precautions when handling or interacting with horses is crucial to minimize the risk of exposure to animals with Rabies.

Rabies in horses is typically transmitted through bites from infected animals such as bats or skunks.

Symptoms can include fever, aggression, difficulty swallowing, and muscle tremors.

Unfortunately, once symptoms appear, there is no effective treatment for the disease, and it is often fatal.

Prevention is vital when protecting yourself and your horses from Rabies.

Ensure your horses receive regular vaccinations, and keep them away from wildlife that could transmit the virus. 

If you come into contact with a horse that may have Rabies, avoid direct contact with any bodily fluids and seek medical attention immediately.

While horses may not be as commonly associated with Rabies as other animals on this list, it is still essential to be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions to stay safe.

10. Cattles

Cattle can also be classified as animals with Rabies. Although it is not common for cattle to become infected with Rabies, it does happen.

It is crucial to be aware of this, especially if you live near farms or in rural areas.

Cattle owners must, as a rule, take the necessary measures to protect their livestock from being bitten by wild animals like raccoons, skunks, or bats.

Rabies can also be transmitted through the bites of infected dogs and cats. If you work on a farm or come in contact with cattle, it is important to observe safety protocols. 

Do not approach a sick-looking cow or one that is behaving abnormally. Keep a safe distance and contact the authorities right away.

A cow infected with Rabies may show symptoms such as drooling, paralysis, aggression, and depression.

Avoid contact with the animal’s saliva or other body fluids. Wear gloves and protective clothing when handling infected animals.