I heard that the only way a squirrel could get rabies, is if it got attacked by a dog with rabies. And since the chances of a squirrel surviving such an attack are small, then there is almost no chance of getting rabies from a squirrel. I forgot where I read this, but is it true? Do you know of any sources to back up this claim or anyother claim related to this topic?
2007-09-29 15:46:34 · 4 answers · asked by learydisciple 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases
It's not true. An animal does need to get bite by a rabid animal, but not necessarily a dog. A bat, or another rabid squirrel could pass the disease on. This CDC link has a lot of information.
2007-09-29 17:25:10 · answer #1 · answered by lizettadf 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any mammal can carry and spread rabies; a squirrel need not get it from a dog. If you or someone you know is worried about a bite sustained from a squirrel, you should call the local Department of Animal Control. They will know how much rabies there is in your local community and can advise you on how worried you should be and whether or not you should get the rabies vaccine.
2007-10-02 17:19:02 · answer #2 · answered by Doxycycline 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You only get rabies if the animal that bit you is rabid. The only way to tell if the squirrel was rabid would have been if you caught it, and its brain was studied for the rabies virus. Unfortunately, once the symptoms of rabies develop, it is almost always fatal. Your friend should see a doctor as soon as possible for rabies shots. It's true, few people die of rabies; but that's because most of the ones who are bitten go to the doctor and get the shots. The only ones who die are the ones who don't see their doctor.
2016-05-17 06:34:51 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gee, in my area I have heard of squirrels that had rabies, so I couldn't say. Why would they have to be only attacked by a dog? Couldn't another animal have gotten rabies?
2007-09-29 16:10:27 · answer #4 · answered by Simmi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋