Prairie Dogs and Rabies: Understanding the Risk

Prairie Dogs & Rabies Risk

Yes, prairie dogs can contract rabies. All mammals are susceptible to the rabies virus. However, reported cases of rabies in prairie dogs are extremely rare.

Rabies is a fatal viral disease that specifically targets the brain and spinal cord. It is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted between animals and humans, as stated by the AKC.

Transmission of rabies primarily occurs through the saliva of an infected animal, usually via a bite wound. Wild animals such as bats, raccoons, and foxes are the most common carriers of the virus.

While rabies is uncommon in prairie dogs, any mammal can potentially contract the disease. Once clinical symptoms of rabies appear, the disease is almost always fatal, with nearly a 100% fatality rate for both animals and humans, according to health officials cited by NPR.

Rabies Transmission

Rabies is most commonly transmitted through a bite from an infected animal. The virus is present in the saliva of a rabid animal.

When an infected animal bites another, the virus can enter the bloodstream through the broken skin. Dr. Corinne Wigfall notes that if a dog is bitten by an infected animal, the chances of infection are very high.

Transmission can also occur if saliva from an infected animal comes into contact with an open wound. This might happen if an infected animal licks an existing cut or abrasion on another animal.

While rabies can pass between pets, it most frequently originates from exposure to wild animals. Hill's Pet mentions that rabies is secreted in saliva, making bite wounds the primary mode of transmission.

Rabies Symptoms in Mammals

Rabies affects the nervous system of an infected animal, as noted by Hill's Pet. Symptoms typically manifest as significant behavioral changes.

Animals may become restless and irritable, or display uncharacteristic aggression. Conversely, some rabid animals might become unusually docile or friendly.

Neurological signs are also prominent. These can include disorientation, incoordination, seizures, and progressive paralysis.

Physical symptoms often involve the mouth and throat. Excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, and foaming at the mouth are classic signs. Hill's Pet describes "furious rabies" as characterized by a voracious appetite, sometimes leading to the animal eating unusual items.

When to See a Vet

If your prairie dog is bitten by an unknown wild animal, it is crucial to contact your veterinarian immediately. Even if the wound seems minor, rabies exposure is a serious concern.

You should also seek veterinary attention if your prairie dog exhibits sudden, unexplained behavioral changes. This includes unusual aggression, extreme lethargy, or any neurological symptoms like stumbling or seizures.

If you have any reason to suspect your prairie dog has been exposed to a rabid animal, do not delay in contacting your vet. Early intervention, though limited for rabies in animals, is vital for managing potential exposure and ensuring safety.

Veterinarians can provide guidance on observation and necessary precautions. Source 3 emphasizes that once symptoms appear, the virus is fatal, highlighting the importance of vigilance.