In this 2-hour workshop participants will discuss rabies from a clinical perspective, and understand how the virus is transmitted, symptoms in infected wildlife, and pre- and post-exposure treatment protocols, as well as how to discuss rabies with members of the public. The course fee of $29 includes the 2-hour virtual session plus participant guide and resource materials.
Rabies is considered to be the most deadly of all zoonotic diseases, with a mortality rate of nearly 100% if untreated. Globally, approximately 60,000 people die from rabies each year. Over 95% of these cases are in developing countries where domestic or stray/feral dogs and cats are not routinely vaccinated. In the U.S., two or three people per year die from rabies – most commonly from exposure through handling wildlife barehanded. Despite continuous efforts from the medical and wildlife management community (including wildlife rehabilitators) to educate the public about the importance of avoiding such activity, hundreds of individuals require post-exposure prophylaxis each year.
In this workshop, we will discuss rabies from a clinical viewpoint, examining how the virus is transmitted, its pathway through the body, symptoms in infected wildlife, and pre- and post-exposure protocols. We must understand this deadly disease and how to protect ourselves while caring for rabies vector species in rehabilitation, and be knowledgeable enough to separate the myths from the facts when educating the public about wildlife issues.
