Can cows/horses catch rabies by stepping into a woodchuck hole?

Question

A farmer nearby here said it's possible to contract it through the dirt.

Answer 1

No, not possible. Rabies is transmitted by a bite, a bite that has to break the skin as the rabies is transmitted through the saliva. The saliva has to have contact with the bloodstream. Woodchucks can carry rabies, but they are not common carriers. Think that farmer needs to get an education.

Answer 2

As far as i know the animal would have to be bitten by an animal that has rabies or come in contact with the saliva, usually through an open would, which would enable the rabies to spread through the body to the CNS

Answer 3

No - not rabies.

People can get tetanus from soil though - bc it's a bacteria. It's not rust that causes tetanus, it's bacteria - although the bacteria could be on a rusty wire or nail. That's why we need tetanus shots at least every 10 yrs. if not more. Even gardening can give a person tetanus if they have an open cut on their hands.

Answer 4

No. Rabies is in the saliva of a rabid animal and has to enter into the blood of the victim.

Answer 5

only it it is bitten by the woodchuck and the woodchuck has rabies

Answer 6

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It is theoretically possible...if a woodchuck left blood or saliva in the hole recently and the animal received or already had an open wound in that leg that came into contact with the rabies virus.
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Answer 7

they must be bitten by an infected animal. the soil will not carry this virus, as most viruses die quickly when exposed to air or soil. the most common carriers are 1st, bats, and biologists who work with them are required to be vaccinated. and 2nd are foxes, but many animals become infected, but a bite must incur.

Answer 8

No. You really should stop listening to hillbillies.