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Which carnivores can spread rabies to humans through bites?

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Rabies is a viral disease that can infect practically all members of the order Carnivora. The virus is transmitted to humans through saliva via the bite of an infected animal.21

While the disease can affect a wide range of mammals, it is most commonly associated with the following carnivores:

  • Red fox2
  • Striped skunk2
  • Raccoon2
  • Dogs21
  • Cats21
  • African hunting dogs2

Because the virus propagates along nerve tissue to the brain and salivary glands, a rabid animal is highly dangerous even during early stages of infection, when it may appear healthy or friendly but can bite at the slightest provocation. Given that rabies is an acute and ordinarily fatal disease, any bite from a suspected carrier requires immediate medical attention, including washing the wound and seeking professional treatment such as antirabies serum and vaccination.1