This article was written in response to the June 10th, 2021 report of the 34 pets (33 dogs and one cat) entering the United States through O’Hare Airport from Azerbaijan, as one of the dogs in the group tested positive for rabies in Pennsylvania. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention launched a multi-state public health investigation after at least 12 people were exposed to the rabid dog imported from overseas. The location of the other imported pets was not released. The United States eliminated the canine rabies virus variant in domestic dogs back in 2007 thanks to widespread vaccination and other preventive measures. However, the virus is still present in wildlife such as foxes, raccoons, bats, and skunks, and dogs can still contract it from them. Most states have public tracking of positive rabies cases in these species, due to the serious risk to human health.
As veterinarians, we're not ones to cause alarm where there is no serious threat, but our job is to keep you and your pets safe. That's why we decided to share information on rabies, whether this threat could be applicable to you, and what you should do if you recently adopted a pet from overseas.
What is Rabies?
Rabies is a viral infection that attacks the nervous system of most mammals, including humans. Once infected, the virus causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. The transmission of rabies is almost always by the bite of an infected animal. It can also be transmitted if infected saliva meets an open wound. Rabies has an incubation period that can be difficult to track. It commonly ranges from a few weeks to a few months, though it can occasionally be much longer.
Some common signs of rabies are as follows:
- Behavioral changes such as nervousness
- Extreme excitability
- Loss of appetite
Infected hosts can also become more aggressive, and this can lead to the classic “Mad Dog Syndrome,” including excessive teeth showing and extreme irritability.
Another form is “dumb rabies,” or the paralytic form, which is when the infected host loses control of the jaw and throat muscles, causing excess salivation and the inability to swallow. This is when the “foaming at the mouth” occurs that is most widely associated with rabies. Dr. Emily Pieracci of the CDC spoke to NPR on this topic. She stated that rabies is still one of the most deadly diseases globally. Roughly 59,000 people die from this disease every year—that is about one death every nine minutes. Unfortunately, rabies is nearly always fatal once the infected host starts showing symptoms.
The CDC Ban on Imported Dogs
As stated above, the United States eliminated the canine rabies variant in domestic dogs back in 2007. With the high demand from people who want to rescue dogs, many shelters and groups started to import animals from overseas, including countries such as Azerbaijan where rabies is not eliminated. In fact, Azerbaijan has a strain of rabies that is not found in the United States. Dr. Douglas Kratt, then President of the American Veterinary Medical Association, said, “If a new strain of rabies were to be introduced into the United States, it's just a matter of where it will spread and how fast it will spread.” That is why, on June 14th, 2021, the CDC placed a temporary suspension on dogs imported from 113 countries at high risk for canine rabies. That suspension took effect on July 14th, 2021, and import rules for dogs coming from high-risk countries have continued to change since. If you are considering bringing a dog into the U.S. or adopting one that was imported, check the current CDC requirements before you commit.
What Should You Do?
If you've recently adopted a dog or cat, it is worth contacting the place of adoption and asking whether your pet was imported from overseas. If you are looking to adopt a pet, do thorough research on the organization and where they source their adoptable animals. It is always vital to have your recently adopted pet examined by your trusted veterinarian and to keep all your dogs and cats current on their rabies vaccination. Almost all states require rabies vaccines for pets.
If your pet is ever bitten by a wild animal, or if you find a bat in your home, contact us right away—even if your pet is vaccinated. Rabies exposures are handled under state public health rules, and there are specific steps that need to be taken quickly.
Again, it is not our intention to fearmonger but, rather, to make sure you have the information you need to keep your furry and human family members safe.
Do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions about your newly adopted pet or about rabies in general.