Specific Disease Frequently Asked Questions | Rabies

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	How do people get rabies?
	What animals get rabies?
	How can I protect my pet from rabies?
	How soon after an exposure should I seek medical attention?

How do people get rabies?
People usually get rabies from the bite of a rabid animal. It is also possible, but quite rare, that people may get rabies if infectious material from a rabid animal, such as saliva, gets directly into their eyes, nose, mouth, or a wound.

What animals get rabies?
Any mammal can get rabies. The most common wild reservoirs of rabies are raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes, and coyotes. Domestic mammals can also get rabies. Cats, cattle, and dogs are the most frequently reported rabid domestic animals in the United States.

How can I protect my pet from rabies?
Medical assistance should be obtained as soon as possible after an exposure. There have been no vaccine failure in the United States (i.e., someone developed rabies) when postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) was given promptly and appropriately after an exposure.

How soon after an exposure should I seek medical attention?
Medical assistance should be obtained as soon as possible after an exposure. There have been no vaccine failure in the United States (i.e., someone developed rabies) when postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) was given promptly and appropriately after an exposure.